Aerobic septic systems can last a long time with proper maintenance
Aerobic septic tank systems work by pumping air into the sewage generated by your house. This allows bacteria, microbes and other organisms to quickly and efficiently break down the sewage before it's circulated back into the ecosystem. It's basically like having a mini-wastewater treatment plant in your backyard. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep your aerobic septic system fit and healthy. Does this Spark an idea?
Disinfection Tablets
Ensure that you're using the disinfection tablets recommended by the manufacturer in the right amounts and also on the required schedule. These tablets work to help treat the effluent before it flows into the drain field. They are usually applied through a plastic pipe by the tank itself.
Pump Maintence
Check the pump monthly to ensure that it's in proper working order. If you hear any strange noises or grinding sounds, call a certified technician to check out the problem.
Vehicle Damage
Don't drive over your septic tank. It sounds funny to say, but people do it all the time. The weight of a vehicle can seriously damage a septic tank and any aerobic equipment installed.
Insect Damage
This is especially true in hotter climates, such as the southern United States. Ants and other small insects are attracted to electricity and will occasionally crawl inside circuit boxes and short out equipment, such as aerobic septic system pumps. Set out ant poison or some other insect control system to keep this from happening.
Lawn Maintenence
Be sure to keep the grass mowed around sprinkler heads. This keeps vegetation out of the system.
Clean the Tank
Have the septic system cleaned out about once every three years. Have it done more often if you notice solids appearing in the pump.
Watch Your Water
Remember that your tank is handling all the wastewater from your house and adjust your water usage appropriately. For example, instead of doing one huge load of laundry, you could spread it out over several days to ease the strain on the septic system.
Use caution when draining
Remember that your septic tank is maintained by beneficial bacteria that break down your household sewage. Don't pour anything down the drain that could upset the biological balance in your tank. This includes household chemicals, condoms, cigarette butts, and fat, grease and oil. Also don't divert household runoff, like water from drainpipes into the system.
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