Your septic system is a crucial part of your property, silently working every single day to manage waste safely and efficiently. However, like any other vital home system, it requires regular care and maintenance to function effectively and avoid pricey repairs down the line.In this blog, we'll explore some essential practices that will help you extend the lifespan of your septic system in Florence, Salem, Eugene, and surrounding areas. We'll cover everything from understanding how it works to the routine upkeep that keeps it in excellent shape. Whether you're a new property owner unfamiliar with septic systems looking to learn more about helpful tips and tricks or just trying to improve your current maintenance routine, this blog post will help give you proper insight. 

How the Septic System Works?

• Water from your bathroom, kitchen, etc., runs through one drainage pipeline to your septic system.

• Below ground level, the septic tank initiates the process of containing the wastewater. It needs to hold the sewage long enough for the solids to settle down to the bottom of the tank while oil, fats, and grease float up to the top.

• Following this procedure, the effluent(liquid wastewater) will be ready to flow out of the tank and into the drain field.

• This sewage is discharged through pipes onto porous surfaces, allowing wastewater to pass through the soil and be filtered. 

• The soil absorbs, purifies, and distributes wastewater as it filters through the soil, eventually releasing it into groundwater.
• At last, the wastewater seeps into the soil, where it undergoes natural filtration, eliminating harmful coliform bacteria, nutrients, and viruses.

Maintenance Tips To Increase The Longevity of Your Septic System

• Inspect and Pump Your System Out Regularly

One of the easiest ways to give your septic system the care and maintenance it needs to prolong its lifespan is to inspect and pump out your tank regularly. Most expert septic pumping, repair, and cleaning contractors in Eugene suggest you schedule a professional septic inspection at least every two to three years. However, you might shorten that time frame if your property has several occupants, which keeps the system working harder for more people. Furthermore, you should have your tank pumped out routinely to avoid any sewage sludge buildup in the bottom of your septic tank. Eventually, that sludge can overfill, seep into your leach field, and back up in your pipelines. On average, you must schedule septic tank pumping every three to five years. As with inspections, frequent usage may reduce the suggested interval between maintenance sessions.

• Conserve and Reduce the Flow of Wastewater 

Leading septic contractors in Salem state that every septic system unit has a certain volume of wastewater and sewage that it can safely and efficiently handle. The specific volume of your tank depends on its size, but in typical residential setups, it typically ranges from 600 to 2,000 gallons of wastewater. Less wastewater means more life for the system. You can conserve and reduce the amount of wastewater your septic treats at one time by following these effective tips: 

1. Take shorter showers instead of longer baths. 
2. Look for signs of leaks from your fixtures and pipes, and get them repaired quickly. 
3. Consider installing low-flow showerheads and toilets throughout your property. 
4. Spread laundry loads throughout the whole week instead of just one day. 
5. Ensure you've got a full load of dishes or clothes before washing them. 

Reducing the rate of wastewater entering your system can enhance sewage processing efficiency and prolong the lifespan of your septic system.

• Don't Put Unsafe Items in Your Septic System

Your septic system isn't an all-purpose trash container. Its main purpose is to treat and dispose of sewage and wastewater properly. In fact, top septic repair, pumping, and inspection contractors near Florence reveal that one of the simplest and fastest methods to reduce the lifespan of your septic system is by using it to dispose of materials that are not safe for disposal.If you're confused about what substances are approved for the septic system, here's your answer: According to the EPA, septic-safe items include toilet paper labeled as "septic safe" and human waste. That's it! 

• Maintain Your Drain Field Properly

Remember that your septic system also includes a leach field. This part of the system further filters out contaminants from the drain water from your septic tank. To keep the entire system healthy and operating at optimal levels, ensure you follow these best practices: 

• Don't drive or park anything on the drain field. The weight of cars, trucks, campers, and other vehicles can damage the area and make it harder to drain. 

• Plant trees and other items strategically. Tree and shrubbery root systems you thought were safe might grow into the drain field area over time, causing further damage. To ensure proper spacing between plantings and the drain field, consult a septic pro on your landscaping plans. 

• Keep your drain field free of obstructions. If a problem develops in the future, you'll want to make sure your septic system contractor can access the area easily. 
• Ensure that all of your rainwater disposal system elements (such as roof drains and downspouts) point away from the drain field. Excess water can overwork the field, leading to blockages and backups in your yard. 

 

• Hire a Septic System Professional When Necessary 

Top septic pumping contractors near Florence caution that backed-up toilets and sinks, a foul septic odor, and sluggish drainage can indicate your septic system needs a little professional attention. If you notice any similar signs of a septic problem, don't hesitate to hire a credible, experienced, and reliable septic system contractor like Best Septic Tank Pumping, who can inspect your system thoroughly, diagnose the issue, and fix it. A professional plumber has the expertise to address any obstruction or drainage issue within a household's plumbing system or along the pipeline connecting the residence to the septic cleanout.

How Long Does A Septic System Last?

The lifespan of a septic system can range from 15 to 40 years. Leading septic tank companies near Eugene reveal that how long the system lasts depends on several factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and the age, condition, and functionality of the concerned septic unit.

Final Takeaway

If you ever encounter major septic system issues or require professional assistance, our team at Best Septic Tank Pumping is here to help. Our full-service solution provides customers with a comprehensive septic tank services experience throughout South Linn, South Benton, Marion, Polk North, Douglas, and all of Lane County. Whether you need septic system installation, routine maintenance, tank pumping, cleaning, replacements, or even emergency repairs, we have you covered. Our team of skilled technicians is highly trained and dedicated to providing the highest level of service.We strive hard to provide prompt, reliable, and professional septic service in Florence, Salem, Eugene, and surrounding areas that exceed your expectations. Contact us at (541)236-5368 to schedule an appointment with our team today.