We’re officially in the throws of summer and that’s a good thing! Summer means time outside, enjoying the sunshine and in some cases – getting some things done around the house! Today, we’re going to talk about your septic tank and what things there are for you to do to make sure it’s in good, working order. Neglecting your tank for too long can lead to some significant issues; and the summer time is as good a time as any to get out ahead of any issues you might encounter.
Let’s jump right in!
Preventative maintenance
We hammer away at this every month – but it’s important. Regular, ongoing, consistent maintenance will help you get out ahead of an overwhelming number of issues you may encounter with your septic tank. Make sure you talk to your service provider to make sure that you have a regular draining and maintenance schedule annually.
Checking for leaks
Leaks can sneak up on you fast and it’s important you be on the lookout for them as they can become a major issue quickly. If you’re suspicious – run your hot and cold water separately – and if you notice that the water pursue is low, you might have a leak. Another trick to try is to place 10 drops of food coloring into your tank. Wait about 15 seconds and if you notice that there’s colored water in the toilet bowl, you have a leak and you’ll want to reach out to a professional immediately in order to get it fixed.
Be mindful of your water usage
Largely due to the heat, folks tend to use significantly more water in the summer than they do during other seasons. Overloading your septic system can cause failure so it’s important to plan accordingly. Just be mindful of what you’re using. Stagger laundry loads. Take some shorter showers. Use your water more incrementally and you won’t have to worry about overloading your system.
If you’re landscaping – be careful
Landscaping is an important part of adding value and enjoyment to any home, but when you own a septic tank you do need to be mindful of what you’re planting and where. Planting trees and shrubs too close to a septic tank can cause root invasion, clogs and the like so make sure that wherever your tank is located – that it is its own stand-alone area. Fast growing roots can destroy a drainfield AND your plants – so just be mindful.
Hopefully you found today’s blog helpful. If you need to get your tank pumped or inspected give us a call today and we’ll be happy to provide you with a free consultation. Until then – good luck!