Septic tank systems are designed to treat sewage and keep it out of the groundwater, but if you don’t maintain them properly, they can become damaged and ineffective. The following five practices are all dangerous to your septic system, so it’s important to avoid them at all costs if you want your system to last as long as possible and keep your water supply clean. If you’re in need of septic tank cleaning or pumping, contact Advanced Septic Service today for a consultation.
1) Don’t Throw Chemicals Down the Drain
Drano, bleach, and other harsh chemicals can kill the bacteria that live in your septic tank and help break down waste. When these bacteria are killed, the waste in your tank can’t be broken down as efficiently, which can lead to clogs and backups. Not to mention, the chemicals can also corrode your septic tank and shorten its lifespan. You can also schedule professional septic tank pumping services in Atlanta. For every gallon of chemicals you pour down the drain, mix two gallons of water before pouring it into the toilet or drain. The two gallons of water will help dilute the concentration of chemicals so they don’t have such a strong effect on your system.
2) Don’t Dump Hair and Grease Down the Drain
Hair and grease can clog up your septic tank and cause all sorts of problems. Plus, they can be a pain to clean out. So, it’s best to just avoid putting them down the drain in the first place.
Here are five things you should never do if you want to keep your septic tank in good shape:
a. Don’t dump hair and grease down the drain.
b. Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper down the toilet. 3. Use only biodegradable soaps and detergents that won’t harm plants or animals. 4. Avoid using chemical pesticides on your lawn or garden because these can also get into groundwater systems (which is bad for both you and the environment).
3) Don’t Throw Out Kitty Litter Down the Toilet
Kitty litter can actually do a lot of damage to your septic tank. The clay can clog up the pipes and eventually make its way into the tank itself, causing big problems. Plus, the chemicals in kitty litter can be harmful to the bacteria that live in your septic tank and keep it working properly. So, it’s best to just keep the kitty litter out of your septic system altogether. When you clean the litter box, scoop all of the solid waste and dispose of it responsibly. For liquid waste, you’ll need to get a product like Dr. Elsey’s Precious Cat Litter Attractant for Litter Boxes . All you have to do is put some of this product in with your regular cat litter when you change it every month or so and voila! No more odor at all!
4) Don’t Flush Away Food Scraps
Food scraps are one of the main things that can clog up a septic tank and cause damage. When these clogs happen, it can lead to sewage backup and costly repairs. To avoid this, make sure you dispose of food scraps in the garbage, not down the drain. If you’re worried about potential odors from rotting food in your trashcan, place an airtight lid on top or place the trash bag outside until trash day. This cul make you to get septic tank cleaning services in Atlanta or wherever you live. Avoid overloading your Garbage Disposal: As tempting as it may be to throw everything into your disposal at once, it will eventually overflow and back up into your home. Before disposing of anything, put smaller pieces in first so that larger pieces can go through without being blocked by them first.
5) Don’t Use Too Much Toilet Paper
Yes, we all know that septic tanks need bacteria to break down the waste. But did you know that too much toilet paper can actually damage your septic tank? That’s right, if you use too much toilet paper, it can clog up your pipes and prevent the good bacteria from doing their job. For example, instead of flushing a full roll of toilet paper at once, try using only one or two sheets at a time.