The saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies to your plumbing system. When it comes to your septic tank, preventative maintenance is worth saving the average $3,000 – $7,000 in septic tank repair bills. Your septic tank needs proper maintenance to stay healthy. Along with saving money, keeping your septic tank maintained can improve your surrounding environment and make your home safer. You can find a plumber in Henderson to help out with septic tank maintenance, but you can also try some preventative maintenance measures on your own.
The Septic Tank and Drain Field
The septic system is comprised of the septic tank and the drain field. The septic tank is located underground somewhere on your property. The septic tank holds solid waste and debris accumulated from wastewater. If properly maintained, a septic tank can last up to 30 years. The drain field is a covered excavation in the soil. It is sometimes called a “leachfield.” The drain field can cause a sewage backup if it gets flooded with wastewater or liquid.
Pumping the Septic System
The frequency of which your septic system needs to be pumped varies based on your tank’s individual characteristics. The average septic system is pumped once every three years, but some need to be pumped more often. Some experts recommend having the system pumped once each year.
Four-Step Maintenance
Pumping the septic system is an excellent first step in caring for your septic system. However, there are other steps you should take for proper maintenance, too. Along with pumping the system, a maintenance plan should include:
- High-pressure water jetting
- Bacteria additive
- Effluent filter
High-pressure water jetting is another technique for maintaining the septic. The septic system should be cleaned out with high-pressure jets at least once every five years to clear out debris and solids in the drain pipes.
A bacteria additive can be used to break down unwanted solids and substances, such as soaps and detergents before they enter the septic system. If soap, detergent, and other common substances get into the septic system, they can kill off the bacteria that are already in the system and helps it function properly. Bacteria additives can also remove odors and help keep the pipes free and clear.
Modern septic systems contain an effluent filter that needs to be replaced or cleaned when you service it. Older septic systems might not have this part. If that’s the case, be sure to let a technician know in advance.
With proper maintenance, a septic tank can last up to 30 years. Proper maintenance can also present disasters such as sewage backups, and it can save up to $7,000 in repairs. Offering 24-hour plumbing Henderson NV, Service Plus Plumbing is here to keep your septic tank in top shape.
