Nature's Pond had the opportunity to give expert advice on maintaining septic tanks on a blog article posted by Redfin.com. We want to thank Julia and the team at Redfin for including us. For a NATURAL, ready-to-use product for cleaning your plumbing, septic systems and drains, use our Nature's Pond 4-In-One Plumbing, Septic and Sewage Blend. 

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September 10, 2020 by Julia Weaver

Whether you live in a beach house in Jamestown, RI or a cabin near Portland, OR,  your home has a septic system or a sewer system. Septic tanks and sewer lines differ in many ways, but also offer many of the same benefits. Basically, both systems offer reliable drainage of wastewater from your home and make it possible for you to take showers, do laundry, wash the dishes, and flush toilets.

Septic tank and sewer line maintenance will be different, but there are general guidelines to follow regardless of what type of system your home has to help avoid any expensive problems occurring. We’ve asked the experts to share their best tips on maintaining a septic tank or sewer system.

 

Routine maintenance is key for maintaining septic tanks

If your home has a septic system, recognize that you own a wastewater system and what an investment it is. Regular maintenance, no matter how trivial it may seem, will keep your wastewater system operating efficiently for years to come. When you see or smell a problem, it might be too late to remedy without costing a small fortune. –Meinco Wastewater

 

Perform a quick inspection every month

Know exactly how to shut off the water, gas, and power in your home. Know the difference between natural gas and carbon dioxide smells. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to look around underneath cabinets behind water heaters and just do a quick physical inspection monthly to keep anything from rupturing. – Squeaks

Educate your loved ones

Being mindful of plumbing systems in our homes is important now that we’re spending a lot more time at home with family.  You need to be talking to your loved ones about what to flush and what not to flush. Some items even claim to be “flushable” but reek havoc on your drain system. The same goes for your kitchen sink. As people stay in more, they end up cooking more. Be careful not to put items down the drain that could jam or clog your drains like grease.  And, landscaping needs to be researched before planting. You need to be aware of the location of your main sewer line before planting trees or bushes. Roots can create a huge problem in your plumbing system. – Leak Geeks Plumbing

Opt to throw hand wipes in the trash

Do not flush hand wipes down the toilet. This will clog the system, whether a septic tank or municipal wastewater system. – Water Connections

 

Think twice before flushing if you’re uncertain

An important “don’t” in owning a septic system is to not flush anything that isn’t natural waste and toilet paper. You’d be surprised how often septic problems are caused simply by flushing feminine hygiene, dental floss, hair, and even harsh chemicals. Even some ‘septic safe’ chemicals can be harsh for your system. Using your best judgment is important when maintaining a septic tank. If it seems iffy, try and use as little as possible. – Lil’ Stinky

 

Don’t flush “flushable wipes” down the toilet. Don’t dump food particles down the kitchen sink. Do be mindful of any slow drains. – Scott English Plumbing

 

Don’t flush anything but toilet paper – no wet wipes, no paper towels, no feminine products.  These items do not break down properly. Don’t put caustic chemicals (such as acid cleaners) in your toilets, lavatory drains, tub/shower drains, floor drains or laundry drains in an attempt to clear them, these may eat away at the clog but also they will also eat away at your pipes over time. Call a professional if you have a slow drain or stubborn clog. – Stang Plumbing & Heating

 

Get your septic tank serviced

Having your septic tank pumped and serviced tells you where the tank is located, the date serviced, and what maintenance plan to be on. It’s best to spend a few hundred dollars on regular maintenance every three to five years than to neglect the septic system and spend thousands of dollars on a major repair. – Allgood Sewer and Septic Tank Service

 

Don’t dump fats, oils, and grease down drains

Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down your drains when maintaining a septic tank. These substances can quickly build up a thick layer of scum that can be detrimental to your septic system. Most other types of biodegradable materials are typically not a problem. – Full House Inspections

 

Pouring grease down the drain can be one of the main reasons drains will need a sewer rodding. To avoid that, you should pour it into a heat-protected container and throw it away. – J. Blanton Plumbing

 

Know where all the components are located 

The importance of maintaining your septic tank starts with knowing what type of septic system you have and where the components are located. When having your routine maintenance done, never allow the septic service provider to pump the tank from a cleanout. Always have your septic pumped from the main access lid of the septic tank. When pumping a septic tank the goal is to remove the solids. Pumping from the cleanout will remove the liquid and leave behind the solids. Overtime, solids will compact and/or enter your drain field resulting in costly repairs or replacements of the system. – Tri-County Pumps

 

Avoid pouring acid-based products or chemicals down the drain

 Medication, nail polish remover, mouth wash, engine oil, anti-freeze, fertilizer, paint thinner, bleach, toxic acid-based products and corrosive treatments along with any other products containing harsh chemicals should not be disposed of through septic or sewer systems. Chemicals can cause harm to the bacteria culture in the system, interrupting the breakdown process, corroding the holding tanks, plumbing pipes and the discharge which can potentially pollute ground and surface water. – Nature’s Pond

 

Healthy enzymes are essential

The use of chemicals to treat the sewer is a bad idea. Sewer systems are full of healthy bacteria and when using harmful chemicals you actually kill the good bacteria and believe it or not a lot of drain smells can come from the dead bacteria deteriorating inside the home’s sewer system. Good bacteria like healthy enzymes are good to use and promote healthy drain lines. – Yochim Plumbing Services, Inc.

 

Original Article Posted on September 10, 2020 here:  https://www.redfin.com/blog/maintaining-septic-tanks-and-sewer-lines/

 

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