Sewage disposal is a serious concern and needs to be paid adequate attention to. Houses not connected to the main sewer system for their wastewater disposal need to have a private off-mains system. A properly installed and maintained septic tank can take care of your wastewater disposal needs for years.

However, due to a lack of awareness, many people fail to install, maintain and take care of their septic system. This can cause a severe risk to their health and hygiene.

Also, your septic tank needs replacement and repairs at regular intervals. Here are a few tips to help you with installation maintenance, pumping, and general care of your septic tank.

1. Installation

Installation of a septic tank can be quite expensive, and doing it yourself may help you save some money. However, if you do not have previous experience in using plumbing tools and septic tank installation, it is advisable to hire a professional. You can search for “septic tank pumping service near me” and chose a company based on their quote, service quality, and experience.

Depending on your location, you will need to obtain the necessary permit to install a septic tank. You also need to conduct a site survey to ensure that your septic tank system can be installed on your property without breaking any rules or legal guidelines.

For proper functioning of an off mains sewer system, you need to choose the right septic tank. The two important decisions are the size and the material of the septic tank. You need to determine the potential population of your property and the volume of sewage and wastewater that the property is likely to produce.

The material of the septic tank, ease of installation, operation, and maintenance are some of the essential factors you need to consider when choosing a septic tank. You will also need a drain field where the water can percolate.

While installing a septic tank, make sure you follow the instruction manual provided by the manufacturer along with health and safety measures. You will also need to obtain the consent of discharge from your environment agency.

2. Maintenance

Damages or leaks to a septic tank are a nightmare for homeowners. If left unattended, it can cause irreversible damage to your property and can lead to costly repairs. Hence, it is always advisable to be proactive in your septic tank maintenance efforts.

Some of the tips to maintain your septic tank in the best condition are mentioned below.

The best way to ensure that your sewage system works efficiently is through regular inspection and pumping. An onsite system maintainer can inspect the different parts of the system at regular intervals to avoid any health and safety hazards.

To increase the life of your septic tank, you need to reduce the wastewater as much as possible. Also, you need to avoid draining oil, grease, and household chemicals down your drain.

You should keep parked cars, grazing animals, sports courts, storage sheds, etc., away from your drain field, septic tank, or reserve area as it can push the soil down and damage the septic tank system.

Also, the septic tank lids should always remain closed and secured as failing to do so can result in accidents. Baby, wipes, diapers, facial tissues, etc., are a few things that you should avoid flushing as they can block your pipeline. All these items belong in the trash can even when they are labeled as flushable.

3. Pumping and general care

Cleaning your septic tank at regular intervals ensures that it works efficiently for decades. The suitable time for pumping your septic tank depends on the size of your tank and the wastewater or sewage produced in the property.

For most tanks, the appropriate duration for pumping is once every three to five years. However, you may need to get the tanks cleaned earlier if you notice any signs of blockage and sewage backup.

Bad smell, gurgling sound in your drain, and slow-moving water are all signs of a septic tank that needs to be cleaned.

These are some of the essential tips to help you install, maintain, and repair your septic tank. Following these tips will increase the longevity of your sewer system and help you avoid damages to your property.