5 Things Every Homeowner Should Know About Their Septic System

Tips and practical know-how to keep things flushing smoothly

We get a lot of questions about septic systems, like "How often should I pump my tank?" or, "Do I have to get an inspection? Where is my tank located?" and so many more. We know that it's easy to have an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality when it comes to your septic system, so with that in mind, we put together a short list of commonly asked questions to make things a little easier to understand. Contact us to schedule your septic service today, or keep reading to learn more about your home's most expensive utility and how you can keep things flushing smoothly this winter!

Q1. How often should I pump my septic tank?

How often you should pump your septic tank depends on the size of your septic tank and the number of people in your household. If you have a garbage disposal your system may require more frequent pumping. Other factors that determine how often you should have your septic tank pumped include the age of your system, condition of your drainfield, naturally occurring bacteria in your system and overall water usage. We recommend pumping every 2-3 years on average.

Q2. Is it true that if you have a septic system you shouldn’t use a garbage disposal?

True. Garbage disposals can increase the amount of solids in your septic tank by up to 50 percent. Eliminating your garbage disposal can help to reduce the amount of grease and solids that enter your drainfield. Why is it important to reduce solids? Solids increase the amount of sludge and scum in your septic tank which can lead to backups and difficulty when pumping.

Q3. Are flushable wipes safe for my septic system?

No. There is truly no such thing as a “flushable” wipe, despite what advertisers will say. “Flushable” wipes do not disintegrate easily or quickly which can clog up your septic system leading to major backups. See for yourself in this Consumer Reports experiment. If you have a septic system, its best to treat “flushable” wipes just like baby wipes or face wipes and throw them in the garbage, not the toilet.

Q4. How can I keep my septic system healthy?

In addition to pumping your septic tank regularly, you can keep your septic system healthy with a septic system additive like Waste & Grease Eco-Friendly Digestant. Waste & Grease Eco-Friendly Digestant comes in a dissolvable packet (similar to a laundry detergent pod) and contains healthy bacteria that help break down solids in your septic tank. All you have to do is toss the packet into your toilet and flush. Ask your Clean Earth Septic Service technician about purchasing the additive during your next pumping or call us today – we offer a great price.

Q5. Can you use a water softener if you have a septic system?

Yes. But if you choose to use a water softening system in a house connected to a septic system it's best to contact a plumbing professional to discuss different drain–routing options. This simple, inexpensive measure can prevent septic tank and treatment system failure and keep all warranties in effect.

For additional information about your septic system, regular maintenance questions, or to request a quote for your business, we invite you to contact us today.  We provide quality residential septic service in Elmira, NY and beyond.