Access to a municipal sewage system is not always practical. For example, you may live in a rural area far from your neighbors, let alone the nearest town. Where access to the sewer system is not available, homes are instead equipped with septic tanks, which are sort of like onsite sewage treatment facilities for the properties in question.

If you have a septic tank, it is not something that you can take for granted. You may have a catastrophic failure on your hands if you fail to take the necessary steps to maintain your septic system on a regular basis.

1. Monitor What Goes Into the Tank

Anything that goes down a drain in your home, including toilets, sinks, and garbage disposals, ends up in the septic tank. Limit the use of your garbage disposal or discontinue it altogether. Avoid pouring solvents and oil-based paints down the sink. When a pipe gets clogged, use a drain snake to clear it rather than a chemical drain cleaner. Don’t flush anything down the toilet other than bathroom tissue and human waste. Fix any leaks so that the tank is not burdened with excess water.

2. Inspect and Pump Frequently

Even if you are careful not to send anything into your septic take that doesn’t belong there, it will eventually fill up. The system can also break down for many reasons that may or may not be your fault. You should have a professional inspect mechanical components once a year to make sure they are in good working order. Septic tank pumping Omaha TX can take place less frequently, but no longer than three to five years.

3. Protect Your Drainfield

A critical component of the entire system, the drainfield removes contaminants as liquid emerges from the septic tank. You can protect it from taking on excess water by keeping rainwater drainage systems away from it and from incursions by roots by planting trees at a safe distance. Under no circumstances should you ever drive or park your car on your drainfield.