BobTheBuilder
10-28-2004, 03:21 PM
you live apart from a municipal sewer system, 'out of sight, out of mind' probably applies to your septic tank. But it's important to keep up with routine maintenance.
Steps:
1. Hire a licensed and bonded septic-pumping contractor to test the tank annually, and have the sludge pumped out as often as necessary. If you neglect to do this, the sludge will build up, reducing the capacity of the tank and eventually causing sludge to leak into the drain field, which is a serious problem.
2. Have the septic-pumping contractor also perform a visual inspection for damage or potential problems. Workers pumping the tank should check the alarm, baffles, compressor, motor, timer and pump.
3. Avoid driving over your tank or drain field.
4. If you're putting in a swimming pool, keep it at least 15 feet away from the drain field.
5. Don't put chemicals such as paint thinner, insecticides or gasoline down the drains. These will kill the bacteria that break down waste products in the tank.
6. Refrain from sending nondegradable items, such as sanitary pads, plastic or rubber, down the drain.
7. Plant only grass and flowers above the tank and drain field - not trees, whose roots could interfere with the system.
Tips:
Contact a plumbing company to help you identify where the septic tank and drain field are if you don't know.
Warnings:
Call a plumber immediately if more than one toilet in your home backs up simultaneously. This could be an indication of a serious problem with your septic tank.
Steps:
1. Hire a licensed and bonded septic-pumping contractor to test the tank annually, and have the sludge pumped out as often as necessary. If you neglect to do this, the sludge will build up, reducing the capacity of the tank and eventually causing sludge to leak into the drain field, which is a serious problem.
2. Have the septic-pumping contractor also perform a visual inspection for damage or potential problems. Workers pumping the tank should check the alarm, baffles, compressor, motor, timer and pump.
3. Avoid driving over your tank or drain field.
4. If you're putting in a swimming pool, keep it at least 15 feet away from the drain field.
5. Don't put chemicals such as paint thinner, insecticides or gasoline down the drains. These will kill the bacteria that break down waste products in the tank.
6. Refrain from sending nondegradable items, such as sanitary pads, plastic or rubber, down the drain.
7. Plant only grass and flowers above the tank and drain field - not trees, whose roots could interfere with the system.
Tips:
Contact a plumbing company to help you identify where the septic tank and drain field are if you don't know.
Warnings:
Call a plumber immediately if more than one toilet in your home backs up simultaneously. This could be an indication of a serious problem with your septic tank.