Simple Habits That Keep Your Septic System Healthy for Years

The good news is that you don’t have to be a plumber or hire a septic company in Holden Heights for every small task. With a bit of awareness and a few easy habits, you can keep your septic system running smoothly for decades.

In this brief article brought to you by Septic Blue of Orlando, we share our two cents on how your system works, what you can do to protect it, and when to call in professional septic service.

Be Smart About What Goes Down the Drain

Your septic system’s biggest enemy isn’t freezing weather or invasive tree roots; it’s misuse. Remember, for instance, that everything going down your drains ends up in your septic tank. So, it’s important to be selective about what you flush or wash away.

For the bathroom, we keep it simple: only flush human waste and toilet paper. Even products labeled as “flushable” (like wipes or feminine hygiene items) can clog or overfill your tank since they don’t break down easily.

In the kitchen, grease is the silent suspect. Pouring fats, oils, and greases down the drain can create a sticky layer in the drains. That’ll lead to blockages and slow drainage.

Finally, avoid using harsh chemical cleaners. Not only can these damage your drains and plumbing, but they threaten the helpful bacteria in the septic tank. The same bacteria that breaks down waste into space-saving sludge.

Space Out Your Water Usage

Conserving water isn’t just about saving on utility bills. When it comes to septic systems, going easy on water usage can actually save you from septic disasters like backups, overloaded tank, or a saturated drain field.

Try to spread out your water usage throughout the week. Instead of running several loads of laundry in one day, do one load daily… and don’t run the dishwasher and jump in the shower while the laundry machine is running!

Moreover, fix leaky faucets and toilets as soon as possible. A constantly running fixture can flood the system over time.

Schedule Regular Septic Pumping and Cleaning

Septic pumping and cleaning are jobs to leave to septic professionals, but it’s the homeowner’s part to get the ball rolling. Schedule regular pumping to remove accumulated solids (sludge) and scum from your tank before they overflow or block your drain field.

Most households need septic cleaning every three to five years, though this depends on household size and activity levels (usage). Larger families or homes with garbage disposals and/or smaller tanks might need service more often.

Septic Blue’s septic service technicians can measure your tank’s levels and recommend the right schedule. Skipping pumping is a recipe for disaster: it can cause backflow, foul odors, and costly repairs to your drain field.

Protect the Drain Field

When people think about septic systems, their mind goes to septic tanks – but drain fields are just as important. It’s where treated wastewater is absorbed into the soil. To keep it healthy, treat that area gently. That means:

• Do NOT park vehicles or heavy equipment which can crush pipes underground.
• Do NOT install large structures like a shed on or near the drain field.
• Do NOT direct roof drains, gutters, and sump pump discharge near the drain field.
• Do NOT plant deep-rooted trees or shrubs near the drain field.

Hire a Local Septic Pro Today

Even with good habits, systems can develop issues. Stay alert for warning signs like:

• Slow drainage in multiple sinks, toilets, and tubs
• Soggy or overly lush grass patches in the yard
• Smell of sewage in the yard
• Backups into your home, toilets, or sinks

These are all indicators that your system may be overloaded or failing. Call Septic Blue of Orlando to speak with a local pro today. We are proud to serve Orlando and surrounding towns and areas.