Your septic tank is a vital part of your home, but you may not know much about how it operates. When you are not aware of what could cause a problem for a septic tank system, you may potentially do damage. For that reason, know about potential misconceptions about septic tanks and what you should and not do.

Septic Tank Pumping Is Too Expensive

When your home relies on a septic tank, you need to do proper maintenance to ensure it continues to work correctly. Part of that maintenance is regular pumping. The pumping frequency depends on the size of your septic tank, the size of your home, and the number of people who use your plumbing each day. Ideally, a septic tank should be pumped every few years.

Some people put off septic tank pumping because they believe it is too expensive. The cost of the septic pumping depends on several factors but generally does not exceed several hundred dollars. Although this seems expensive, this is a task that only needs to occur every few years.

When you compare septic pumping to other maintenance costs of a home, it is usually one of the less expensive costs you have. Septic pumping is also much more affordable than doing major repairs or replacements if something damages the septic system.

You Only Need to Invest in a Septic System Once

Septic tanks have a lifespan just like any other component of a home. Although they can last many decades with proper maintenance, you may eventually need to replace the septic tank. Parts can break or become obsolete. The tank can become damaged. If you add on to your home to make it larger, you may need a larger tank to accommodate your home.

Additives Replace Normal Tank Pumping

You can add special additives to a septic tank to help it break down the solid wastes inside. You should only do this after consulting with your septic tank contractor to ensure you use the correct additive. However, adding anything to the septic tank does not mean you should not also pump it as usual.

You Can Have a Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal is a common household appliance, but it can do a number on your septic tank. When you place solid material into a garbage disposal, it goes straight to your septic tank and adds to the solid wastes. This means the bacteria in septic tanks that break down solids have to work harder to break them down.

Over time, the solids not broken down will accumulate and result in clogs or backups in your entire plumbing. Adding additional solids by using a garbage disposal puts more strain on the septic system.

You Can Use Flushable Wipes

One serious issue with septic tanks is when foreign objects go down the toilet. Many people enjoy using flushable wipes for sanitary purposes. These wipes are marketed as flushable, but they are usually anything but. Flushable wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper and can build up at the bottom of a septic tank and cause clogs.

You Can Place a Structure Over the Septic Tank

You should never build or place anything on top of the area of the septic tank. Not only do heavy items do damage to the tank and its elements, but any obstruction decreases the flow of oxygen necessary to help decompose the contents of the septic tank.

Proper septic tank use and management are crucial to its longevity. If you have any questions about your septic tank, want to know more about how it works, or if you have a problem with your system, please contact Upstate Septic Tank, LLC.