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Proper Septic System Care and Maintenance

The EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance

On Monday, September 19, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – in conjunction with federal, state and local government and private sector partners – will kick off its fourth annual SepticSmart Week (Sept. 19-23) to encourage American homeowners to properly maintain their septic systems.

“By taking small steps to maintain septic systems, homeowners not only protect our nation’s public health and keep our water clean, but also save money and protect their property values,” said Joel Beauvais, Deputy Assistant Administrator for EPA’s Office of Water.

Here are some of the simple tips from the website:

• Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every three years by a qualified professional or according to their state or local health department’s recommendations. Tanks should be pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years.

• Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system’s pipes and drain-field.

• Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.

• Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day — too much water at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.

• Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drain-field, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.

The EPA’s SepticSmart program educates homeowners about proper septic system care and maintenance all year long. In addition, it serves as an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments, and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents.

Source: EPA.gov

BBB Septic and Portable toilets is proud to bring you these common sense tips to protect your septic system. Call us today to schedule your service.

How Often Should You Pump Out Your Septic Tank?

 

Septic Tank Pumping Schedule

How often should you pump out your septic tank?  Good question.   The rule of thumb is usually every 2-5 years but the makeup of your household and your habits play a big part in this equation.

When a septic tank is operating properly, solids are contained and accumulate and must be eventually pumped out. If the solids are not accumulating in the tank and are washing out into the leaching field, there is a problem with the system and the household is possibly using too much water.

The amount of solids that accumulates in the tank depends on the size of the household, the habits of the members of the household and the water usage.  Every household is different.  Having a professional check the sludge levels on a regular basis can help you gauge if the 2- 5 year schedule is good for your household or if more frequent pumping is needed.

Having your effluent filter checked for clogging can give you an idea of the maintenance  needs of your system.   The filter is designed to stop solids from entering the leaching field but how quickly is it filling up?  If too quickly, you should review family and household water use habits.

The most reliable method for determining if your system needs to be pumped is regular inspection of the septic system including measuring the solids in the tank and distribution box.  Our maintenance plan gives you a report regularly of the solids accumulation in your system and coincides with a pumping recommendation.

The best idea is to have a professional check the septic system on a regular basis.

BBB Septic and Portable Toilet Services has a great maintenance program for your septic system and a team of professionals to help determine what your pumping schedule should be.

Call BBB Septic and Portable Toilets at 479-271-0058 to enroll in the maintenance program.  Prevention is key to preventing a failed septic system.

 

Visit www.bentonvillearseptic.com with all your questions.