How To Maintain Your Septic System

by | Apr 16, 2013 | Plumbing

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There are many areas in the Puyallup location that may still have a septic system. This could be your primary residence or perhaps a vacation home on Puget Sound or in the Olympic Peninsula somewhere. No matter what the situation, you will want to be sure and maintaining your septic system properly to avoid needing to make an emergency call to a plumbing contractor in Puyallup. There are just a few simple tips that can help keep your septic system in good order for years to come.

One important thing to do is to ensure that all rainwater is diverted away from the septic drainfield. Soggy land in the drainfield will not absorb or neutralize the liquid waste in the septic system and this can cause big problems. Ensure all landscaping, drains and gutters flow in other directions. Your plumbing contractor in Puyallup will also advise you to not put too much load on the septic tank. You should make sure that no leaks are present in toilets or faucets and that you use aerators on faucets to reduce the nozzle flow in sinks and even in showers. Reducing water consumption in general like this or in the laundry helps as does only using a dishwasher when full. Anything you can do to reduce water use in general helps to keep your septic tank in good order.

When looking at your landscaping, make sure that tree roots cannot invade the area. There should be a minimum of 100 feet between any tree and the tank and possibly more if the tree is a variety known to have invasive root systems. A willow tree is a good example and your plumbing contractor in Puyallup will advise you of this as well. Make sure that your toilet is only used for human waste and toilet paper. All other products should be disposed of in other ways to avoid clogging your septic tank. As for garbage disposals, they are to be used wisely as well. If you opt to have a disposal in your kitchen, be sure to use a top of the line model that grinds food particles to the smallest pieces possible to avoid too much bulk being pushed into the tank. Similarly, never pour grease down the drain as it eventually clogs.

One of the most important things you can do is to ensure regular maintenance by a licensed plumbing contractor in Puyallup. It is recommended that for a typical four person household with a 1,000 gallon tank, servicing should occur every three to five years. You will get a longer life and fewer problems with regular servicing and the proper care every day.

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