Maintaining a healthy septic system is important to the overall well-being of your home and daily life. It’s even important for the environment that your home’s waste is being treated properly by your septic system. As a responsible homeowner, it’s essential to understand the importance of septic tank care and adopt safe do-it-yourself (DIY) practices. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your septic system while minimizing the risk of potentially annoying and expensive issues. Additionally, proper septic tank maintenance prevents harmful contaminants from leaching into groundwater, which is vital for protecting community health and maintaining safe, clean water supplies for ourselves and future generations. Here are some DIY safe practices for homeowners with septic tanks:

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into DIY septic tank care, it’s essential to understand how these systems work. To keep it simple, a septic tank is an underground chamber (usually a series of multiple chambers) where sewage is collected and allowed to decompose through bacterial activity. Solid waste settles at the bottom of the tank, while liquids and microscopic particulates flow out into a drain field where they are safely absorbed into the ground. Some systems have a treatment step in which chlorine kills harmful microorganisms in the water before pumping it out via sprayers to irrigate the yard and landscaping. 

Regular Pumping

One of the most critical aspects of septic tank maintenance is occasional inspection and pumping. Over time, solid waste accumulates in the tank, reducing its capacity and potentially causing blockages. Also, inorganic solids and materials – that bacteria cannot break down – sometimes get flushed and end up in the septic tank so it is important to inspect for those and get them pumped out. The general recommendation, is to have your septic tank pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of your household and usage habits. DIY enthusiasts can choose to rent pumping equipment or hire a professional service to perform this task safely and efficiently. The cost for pumping out a septic tank is usually somewhere in the $300 to $700 range, depending on your geographic location and how easily accessible your tanks access ports are.

Watch What You Flush

The items you flush down your drains can significantly impact the health of your septic system – even leading to total failure. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable materials such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or chemical cleaners, as these can disrupt the natural decomposition process and lead to clogs. Opt for septic-safe products labeled as biodegradable and refrain from pouring grease or oil down the drain, as these substances can solidify and obstruct the pipes.

Practice Water Conservation

Conserving water isn’t just good for the environment; it’s also beneficial for your septic system. Excessive water usage can overwhelm the tank and inhibit proper waste breakdown. Simple measures such as fixing leaky faucets, installing low-flow toilets, and spreading out laundry loads can help reduce water consumption and alleviate strain on your septic system.

Maintain Drainage Areas

The drain field is a critical component of your septic system, responsible for filtering and dispersing wastewater into the soil. To ensure proper drainage, avoid parking vehicles or heavy machinery over the drain field, as this can compact the soil and break pipes or impede water absorption. Additionally, refrain from planting trees or shrubs near the drain field, as their roots can infiltrate the pipes in search of water and cause damage and/or blockages. 

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaners

When cleaning your home, opt for eco-friendly products that won’t harm your septic system or the surrounding environment. Harsh chemicals found in many conventional cleaners can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your septic tank, reducing its efficiency. Look for biodegradable cleaners labeled as safe for septic systems, or consider making your own using natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Perform Regular Maintenance & Inspections

Prevention is key when it comes to septic tank care. Regularly use a proven septic system maintenance product such as Accelerator by Dr. Pooper Liquid or Drain Field Cleaner tablets and make a habit of inspecting your septic system regularly for signs of trouble, such as foul odors, slow drains, or soggy areas around the tank or drain field. Catching problems early can prevent costly repairs and ensure your septic system continues to operate smoothly.