When your home relies on a septic tank for your sewage needs, you need to be extra careful with it. A septic tank relies on a healthy biome to process your waste and remove the extra water from the tank, and many things can cause it to become out of whack. Here are some ways you can keep your septic tank healthy.
Throw Away Your Grease
Grease should never go down your plumbing, regardless of whether or not you have a septic system. The grease builds up on the walls of the pipes and can eventually cause a massive clog, which can be hard to remove on your own. If that happens to you, you’ll likely have to call a residential plumbing Killeen TX service. Grease is especially bad for a septic tank because the bacteria in the tank can’t break it down in the same way it does waste. The particles will then be released into the drain field with the water, and it could clog it, causing your system to backup. Instead of washing grease down your sink, use paper towels to wipe it out of the pan and throw it away.
Avoid Too Much Daily Usage
While your tank likely has a large capacity, you don’t want to overwhelm it by putting too much water into it. You can be mindful of how much water is going into the tank each day by paying attention to how much water has already been used. If multiple showers or loads of laundry have been done that day, wait to run the dishwasher until the next day. Keeping tabs on the water usage in the house means less chance of a backup.
Use the Right Types of Cleaners
Not all cleaners are safe for septic systems. Before you use anything in your home, ensure you look at the back of the bottle to ensure that it is safe for your system. Bleach and ammonia are especially harsh chemicals that can quickly destroy the healthy bacteria in your tank. Choosing natural enzyme-based cleaners will keep your house looking great and help extend the life of your tank.