Keeping your Croton-on-Hudson, NY, septic tank maintained can keep your system from clogging, which could cause wastewater to overflow into your yard, or even failure. Once you’ve gone through the process of a septic tank installation, it’s time to think about the maintenance your tank needs to avoid problems.

Potential Problems

It’s very easy when you flush the toilet or wash a load of clothes not to think about where the excess water goes, but if you have a septic system, you should give it some thought. If you flush feminine products, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, even too many paper towels, they can clog the pipe that leads to the drain field and bring wastewater back into your home through the toilet, sink, or bathtub. If the septic tank is not regularly inspected and pumped, the waste can back up, as well.

Related: 5 Indications That You Need Septic System Repair In Chappaqua, NY

Use Water Efficiently

Efficient use of water keeps excess water from entering your septic tank. The less water that enters the septic system, the better the system will operate. Inspect and replace any leaking toilets. When washing clothes, be sure to use the correct water level so that you don’t use more water than necessary. Spreading your laundry over the course of the week could keep the system from becoming overloaded.

Don’t Flush These Items

Feminine products and diaper wipes should never be flushed down the septic system. The same goes for kitty litter, coffee grounds, and household chemicals. Disposing of the wrong types of waste can kill the organisms that break down the waste in the septic tank.

Maintain the Drain Field

The drain field is the place where the water filters from the tank and seeps into the ground. This process cleans the water so that it can return to the water table. For your drain field, never park vehicles on top of that area. Plant any trees or shrubs away from the drain field as the roots can grow into the pipes and cause clogging. Make sure that any water from downspouts and gutters flows away from the drain field.

Inspect Your Yard

If you notice any bright green, lush grass patches growing in your yard, it could mean that you have a septic system leak. When this happens, look for mushy grass there or puddles that could indicate water is leaking from a break in the pipe. If left that way, eventually raw sewage can seep out and produce a mess with a strong, unmistakable odor.

Proper septic maintenance includes regular inspections for leaks and overflow. Having the tank inspected at least every one to two years can keep the scum level in check and let you know when the tank is full and needs to be pumped.

Related: 5 Indications That You Need Septic System Repair In Chappaqua, NY

Professional septic system experts who are skilled and knowledgeable about drainage, excavation, and septic system maintenance will put your system in the best hands, from the point of installation throughout your maintenance and inspect needs. They will ensure the longevity of your septic system and the health of your property. They can identify and correct any septic problems before they can cause a smelly mess for you.