If you live in a rural area, chances are you have a septic system. This is the sewer system for homes not in a subdivision. Unlike sewers in suburban homes, septic systems have to be maintained by the home owner. Armed with a little knowledge and a few items, septic systems are very easy to maintain.
A septic system works when waste runs from the pipes in your house into the septic system buried in the ground outside. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank while the liquids run out to the drain field. Then bacteria that you will need to flush down your toilet once a month breaks down the solids. You can purchase products such as Rid-X at your home improvement stores that contain the necessary bacteria to break down waste.
You will also need to have the solid waste pumped out of your septic system about every three to five years, depending on how many people live in the home. The more water you push through your system, the harder it is for your septic to keep up. Consider installing low flow toilets, and spreading out laundry to 1 or 2 loads every other day. Also make sure there are no leaks in any faucets. Always use septic safe toilet paper, and never flush anything non-biodegradable.
Know where the manhole or access port to your septic system is located. Put some sort of marker near it so if you or a Septic Tank Cleaning Cedar Rapids IA, service need to dig it up quickly to unclog a pipe, you can. You should make sure there are no trees growing near your septic system. Roots can cause pipes to crack. Make sure there are no heavy items on top of your tank such as a portable building or automobiles. It is a good idea to have the number of a Septic Tank Cleaning Cedar Rapids IA, service handy such as Roto-Rooter Sewer & Drain Cleaning. Make sure they offer 24 hour service and free estimates so in an emergency they are available.
Septic systems are not that hard to maintain. Just go easy on the water, take care of any leaks, use biodegradable toilet paper and flush Rid-X once a month. Mark your septic system and keep it clear of heavy items and tree roots. If you take care of your septic system, it should last up to 30 years. To know more about , click here.
