Owning a home that uses a septic system as a means of removing waste water brings on an additional responsibility for the homeowner. Taking the proper steps to ensure that the system remains in good working order is necessary to avoid having the sewage back up into the home or flood the yard. Knowing when to schedule Septic Tank Pumping in Des Moines, Iowa will help, as will the proper maintenance of the system between pumping’s.
Septic Tank Maintenance in Des Moines, Iowa involves watching what you are putting down the drains and what you are flushing down the toilets. If you are flushing things that are not septic friendly, you are going to cause problems that could be costly to repair. Things like cooking oil, diapers, baby wipes, kitty litter, paper towels and feminine hygiene products should never be allowed down the drain or flushed down the toilet. Talk with everyone in the household to be sure that they understand how these things could cause the system to fail and could possibly fill your basement with the waste water you want to keep out.
Do your best to avoid using harsh chemical drain openers. If you have a clogged drain, attempt to clear it with a snake or call a plumber to unclog it for you. Also, opt for household cleaners that are biodegradable and limit the use of bleach when cleaning. The chemicals that you put down the drains can kill the enzymes that your septic system needs to break down the solid waste in the tank. If those enzymes are killed, the solid waste will not break down and you could clog the system or require Septic Tank Pumping in Des Moines, Iowa more often than you should.
In typical households, you should have your septic tank pumped out every three years. If you take the precautions listed above about what goes into your septic tank, you may be able to extend the time period between pumping’s to five years.
If you are unsure about the last time your septic tank was pumped or need more information about the things that are safe to introduce to your septic tank, contact a professional. Preventing serious problems is much easier than resolving them.
