Maintaining Your Septic System For Extended Life Without Problems
The life expectancy and reliability of your home's septic system relies on how well you treat it over the years. If you pay attention to what you send down the drains and tend to the maintenance of the system, your system will last many years without failing. Here, you'll learn how to clean the septic tank and maintain the pump.
Call for an Emptying Service
You cannot empty the contents of the septic tank without the help of a professional, and you can't do the cleaning and maintenance work until it's empty. So, the first step is to contact your local professional to have the tank pumped out completely.
Clean the Tank
Once the tank is empty, you'll need to immediately get to work cleaning the tank. This is not that big of a job, but it can be really stinky and messy. So, put on a pair of rubber gloves and some safety glasses and grab your garden hose. Put a jet nozzle on the hose and begin spraying down the sides of the tank. This will help to remove some of the waste built up on the sides.
On the side of the tank, you'll see an opening for a pipe that connects the holding tank to the liquid waste tank. Spray this area well and do your best to break up the solids that have built up around it. This step will help to prevent solids from breaking loose and clogging the pipe connecting the two tanks.
Once the tank is clean, put the cover back and place, return to the house, and pour a package of the septic treatment powder into the toilet, and flush. This product helps to maintain the bacteria level that the system needs to break down the solid waste in the tank.
Maintain the Pump
Pumps can fail if you don't take care of them. To maintain your pump, shut the power off to the system. Disconnect the pipes connected to the pump, and pull it up out of the tank carefully. Spray it off with the hose to remove as much buildup as you can.
Take a close look at the suction screen on the pump. This screen can become caked with waste and prevent liquids from flowing through it.
Check the wiring for damage and wear. If you notice any damage, you'll need to have the wiring replaced or repaired. If you're not experienced working with electrical components, contact a septic tank services professional for assistance. One mistake can end up causing a whole lot of trouble with your septic system.
Examine the float to make sure that it slides freely up and down the slide. If it sticks, spray some WD-40 on it and work it up and down until it moves without issue.
Connect the pump, restore power, and you should be good to go for a few more years. If you aren't comfortable completing this task on your own, contact your local septic professional for assistance.
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