Do you have questions about your septic system? We’ve got answers!
At Tampa Bay Septic, we want what’s best for your septic system and want to help you make sure it’s always running optimally. One of our goals for our clients here in the Tampa Bay, Florida area is for them to have helpful information accessible to successfully use and maintain their system. Check out our FAQs section below for great information on making your septic system last as long as possible. And if you don’t find what you’re looking for here, please feel free to give us a call!
How Can I Get a Longer Life Out of My Septic System?
We have several tips to answer this question:
- Use your garbage disposal sparingly. Your garbage disposal accounts for 60% to 70% of the solids, fats and grease that flow into your septic tank. These substances will clog your pipes and fill your septic tank prematurely.
- Spread out your washing machine usage. Washing machines are responsible for large volumes of water entering the septic tank at one time. The surge of wash water can create heavy loading on the drain field. Space washings throughout the week rather than doing many loads on one day.
- Do not pour cooking oils or grease down the sink or toilet. Cooking oils and grease are troublemakers. The bacteria found in septic tanks and drain fields do not survive or function well in solidified grease. Grease and cooking oils should NEVER be washed down the sink drain. Save grease in jars for disposal in the garbage.
- Do not flush the wrong items into your system. Do not flush baby wipes, paper towels, rags, feminine hygiene products, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, plastic, coffee grounds or kitty litter into your system. These items do not deteriorate and will prematurely fill your tank. Regardless of packaging claims, DO NOT flush these items into your septic system.
- Do not flush toxic materials such as pesticides or bleach into the system. Using bleach in the laundry kills the good bacteria in your septic system. So does flushing pesticides down the drain. The good bacteria are necessary for your septic system to function properly. Also, never flush antibiotics down the drain.
- Do not use drain cleaner. Less than 1 oz. of drain cleaner kills all the good bacteria in your septic system. The good bacteria can take months to recover. Instead of drain cleaner, we recommend BlueLine Superstrength formula.
- Never drive over or park on your drain field or septic tank. Your drain field pipes or tank can be crushed. Compaction of the soil seriously deteriorates the soil’s ability to percolate and filter the water.
- Do not plant trees or bushes over the tank or drain field. Roots can crack and damage the drain field pipes and septic tank. A good rule is to plant small trees and shrubs at least 5 feet, medium trees at least 15 feet, and large trees at least 25 feet away from the edge of the system.