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Common Mistakes Septic Owners Make

Common Mistakes Septic Owners Make

There are over 21 million households with septic systems in the United States. When taken care of properly, septic tanks are a great way to manage waste without using a public sewer system. However, if you go into owning a septic system blind, you could potentially make mistakes that will end up costing you time and money. Here are the most common mistakes septic owners make and how to avoid them.

Flushing

You may not be aware if you’ve never owned a septic system before, but the only thing safe to flush down the toilet is human waste and toilet paper. That’s it. Anything that’s flushed down your toilet ends up in your septic tank. Your septic tank works by a delicate balance of bacteria breaking down the waste. Any chemicals or substances could disrupt this balance. Also, anything thicker than toilet paper could clog your tank and its components. Be sure never to flush:

  • Paper Towels
  • Feminine Products (tampons, maxi pads, etc.)
  • Baby Wipes
  • “Flushable” Wipes
  • Make-up pads or cotton pads

Regular Pumping

Most septic tanks will need to be professionally pumped every 1-3 years, depending on the size of your household. If your septic tank becomes overfilled, you could be at risk of a backup. Septic backups are not only dangerous, but they are also costly to repair and difficult to clean up after. Be sure to find a reputable septic company right away and get on a regular pumping schedule.

Yearly Inspections

It’s easy to miss potential problems or issues if you don’t inspect your septic system regularly. An experienced septic inspector uses special equipment to examine your system and look for problems thoroughly. Catching a broken pipe or component right away can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. If you don’t know the last time your system was inspected, it’s probably time.

Affordable Pumping Services has years of experience caring for septic systems in your area. Give us a call today!

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