The septic tank is one of the most important parts of your home. When your septic tank is running smoothly, you can avoid a lot of plumbing problems – such as clogs, foul odors and sewage backups. If this is your first experience with septic tanks, you might now know what goes into their care and maintenance. Unfortunately, that can lead you into the problems described earlier. To help you prevent problems with your septic, here are three suggestions you should follow.

Know What Not to Flush

You might be surprised to find out that there are things you should never put into your septic tank. Flushing certain items through to your septic tank can lead to clogs and collapses of your entire septic system. Some of the things you should never send through to your septic tank include antibacterial soaps and bleach. In addition, if you have a garbage disposal, you should use it sparingly. The foods that are processed through the disposal can clog up the septic lines.

Avoid Over-Filling

Your septic system is comprised of two fill tanks and a seepage pit. As waste flows from home, it stops in the first tank where solid waste drops to the bottom of the tank. From there, the waste water filters through to the second tank where it stays until it can filter through to the seepage pit. When liquids flow through to the seepage pit slowly, the soil is able to absorb it properly. However, if too much liquid flows through to the tank, the seepage pit can't absorb it quickly enough and the septic system can fail. To avoid over-filling, you should make sure that all exterior clean-out drains are properly covered – to prevent overfilling during rain storms – and that you limit the amount of laundry you do each day.

Schedule Routine Service

To function properly, your septic tanks will need to be cleaned and drained. To do this, a septic company will have to come out and use a machine to pump out the waste – solids and liquids. For best results, you should have your septic system cleaned at least once every three to five years.

If this is your first time being responsible for a septic tank, the information provided here will help you provide it with the care and maintenance it will need. For more helpful tips on how to keep your septic system operating properly, be sure to speak to your septic care company. Contact a business, such as Southern Sanitary Systems Inc, for more information.