Although it may seem simple to fix little things around your house, the fact of the matter is that there are a few professionals who really do work hard to make your life better. For instance, while you may be likely to paint your place on your own, even doing something as simple as switching out a toilet can be really challenging. I started thinking about how valuable professionals like plumbers were for my business, and I wanted to start a new blog that centered around how much a plumber can help to make your life better. Check out this website for tips on finding a talented plumber.
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If your home uses an alternative-style septic system because your property doesn't perk well enough to have a traditional gravity-fed septic system, then it's important to take proactive steps to keep the system cleaned and maintained.
Alternative septic systems are very expensive to replace, so keeping them well-maintained and cleaning them regularly ensures they will stay in good running order for many decades. Ignoring their cleaning and maintenance needs is a great way to end up with large unexpected plumbing bills when you can least afford them!
To keep your home's alternative septic system working well, follow each of these tips:
Tip: Keep Harmful Substances out of the System
The most important thing you can do for an alternative septic system is to be very vigilant about the liquid and solid materials entering it. A good rule to follow is that unless a substance is either eliminated from a human being or is septic-safe toilet paper, it shouldn't ever enter the septic system. Period.
Even very small things, such as dental floss or food particles from garbage disposals, will do serious damage inside of an alternative-style septic tank. Food particles will turn into sludge and stringy things such as dental floss or hair will mix with the sludge and form greasy clumps that will clog the system's effluent filter, leach lines, and drain field.
Tip: Frequently Clean Out the Septic Tank's Effluent Filter
Alternative septic tanks have an effluent filter that is located between the tank outlet and the start of the leach line. The filter is simply a wire mesh screen, and it needs to be frequently cleaned. Effluent filters that become clogged will cause septic tanks to back up blackwater into the home and out of the exterior tank pumping ports.
Signs of a clogged effluent filter include:
If your family members have reported hearing a beeping sound in the yard but you can't locate its source, it's very likely the warning signal the effluent filter in the septic tank is clogged.
Tip: Have Your Alternative-Style Septic Tank Pumped and Cleaned on a Regular Basis
As with traditional-style septic tanks, alternative tanks need regular pumping out and cleaning by a plumbing professional. In fact, this type of system needs more frequent pumping to prevent accidental damage. While you may be tempted to put off regular service appointments for your residential septic system, this can cost you a lot of money down the road.
Reach out to a septic system cleaning company to learn more.
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