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Septic system failures are bad news for any property owner. Apart from impacting your entire plumbing system, a failing septic system can damage your property and expose your family to health risks. Whether you’re dealing with an overflowing septic tank or a failing drain field, these issues can damage your property in various ways. It’s a good idea to contact a trusted septic service provider for professional help. In today’s post, Mr. Rooter Plumbing shares tips on how to protect your property from septic system failure.

  • Daily Usage & Habits

What goes down the drain impacts the functionality and reliability of your septic system. Many of us are guilty of indiscriminately flushing non-biodegradable items down the toilet. We treat our septic systems as trash cans, and this is where most of the septic issues stem from.

You should flush only human waste and toilet paper—these are the only items your septic system is built to break down effectively. Never flush items like paper towels, flushable wipes, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, medications, or condoms. These items do not disintegrate like toilet paper and hence can cause blockages and kill off beneficial bacteria inside the tank.

In addition, non-biodegradable items flushed down the toilet cause the septic tank to fill up faster, necessitating more frequent septic pumping. These items should be disposed of in the regular trash bin to avoid causing blockages and sewage backups.

Avoid harsh chemicals such as Drano and Liquid Plumber. We’ve been told that these products help to dislodge drain clogs, but they can harm your septic tank over time. They are not just corrosive; they can also kill the beneficial bacteria that breaks down waste in the tank. When septic bacteria die off, waste is no longer broken down effectively. This results in a rapid accumulation of solid sludge inside the tank, which clogs outlet pipes and the drain field.

Steer clear of harsh chemical cleaners for the sake of your pipes and septic system. If you need help with drain cleaning or septic cleaning, reach out to a trusted septic company like Mr. Rooter Plumbing. The experts use safe and effective techniques that will get the job done right while protecting your septic system.

  • Water Management

One of the common causes of septic failure is overloading your system with too much water at once. The solids inside a septic tank need enough time to break down for efficient dispersal into the drain field. If too much water enters the septic tank at once, the surge agitates existing sludge and forces untreated wastewater and solids into the drain field. This can cause backups, clogs, and costly system failures. Here are tips for efficient water management that will help you protect your drain field:

  • Spread out chores across multiple days
  • Install high-efficiency fixtures that save water
  • Repair plumbing leaks such as running toilets

In addition to water management, be sure to schedule regular septic pumping to remove solid waste before it causes problems. Ideally, you should empty your septic tank every 3 to 5 years.

  • Watch Out for Signs of Septic Failure

Pay attention to warning signs to prevent minor issues from becoming major emergencies. Slow drains, gurgling sounds in plumbing fixtures, foul odors near the septic tank, standing water in the yard, and unusually lush patches of grass over the drain field may indicate a developing problem. Reach out to a professional septic company for help with addressing any signs of septic system failure. This can prevent extensive damage and expensive repairs.

Do You Need Professional Septic Services? Contact Mr. Rooter Plumbing Today

Have you noticed signs of septic system failure? Do not hesitate to contact a professional septic company for an inspection. Mr. Rooter Plumbing is one phone call away when you need reliable septic services. As a locally owned and operated septic service provider, we take pride in helping property owners keep their septic systems in good working order. Our technicians use advanced tools and modern technology to inspect, maintain, and repair septic systems correctly. Whether you need a one-time inspection, septic pumping, or regular maintenance, our team is ready to help. Schedule your appointment today!

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