It All Goes Down: 3 Ways To Protect Your New Septic System

Posted on: 3 March 2016

You just bought a new home and it's not connected to the city sewer system. Instead, it's connected to a septic system. If you've never dealt with a septic system before, you may be a little concerned about the maintenance it will need. Don't panic. With the proper care, your septic system will serve you well for many years. Here are four things you should know about your septic system.

Fill It Slowly

Septic systems contain two separate tanks. The first tank is where the solids will be stored. The second tank is where the liquids empty into before filtering through to the seepage pit. The seepage pit is where the water is held until it seeps into the soil. Fill the septic tanks slowly and your system will run smoothly. Fill the tanks too quickly, and you could be looking at a nasty back-up in your home. When that happens, you could find raw sewage floating in your bathtub. Why your bathtub, you ask? It will back-up into your bathtub because the tub drain is a straight-shot to the septic tanks. A couple ways to avoid filling your septic tanks too quickly include:

  • Repairing leaky faucets
  • Doing laundry every other day instead of every day
  • Ensuring the clean-out drain is closed during rainstorms

Empty It Out

The tanks your raw sewage is held in will need to be emptied from time-to-time. Under normal conditions, you should have your tank emptied at least once every three to five years. Make a note on your calendar of the day you moved into your home. This will help you keep track of when your septic tank will need to be pumped out. Keeping track of your septic servicing dates will help you avoid overflows and backups.

Know the Warning Signs

If you do lose track of time, and forget to have your septic tank emptied, it will let you know with a few warning signs. These warning signs will let you know that it's time to call the septic company and schedule a pumping. Some of the warning signs include:

  • Gurgling sounds when you flush the toilets
  • Septic odors coming up through the sinks and drains
  • Puddles of smelly liquid over the septic field

If you've never used a septic system before, you don't need to be alarmed. With the right care, your septic system will serve you well. The tips provided above will help you take care of your system. For additional information regarding your new septic system, be sure to contact a septic company, such as River City Septic & Excavating. They'll be able to answer any questions you might have. 

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