Preventing Damage to Septic Tanks - Home Repair Advice

Septic tanks, like all other products, need periodic maintenance to function properly. And if something goes wrong anywhere in the septic system, the costs can be huge. Apart from periodic maintenance and inspection, it is also necessary that we use our drainage lines properly. This article discusses the basics of septic tanks and some typical things that we shouldn't do if we want to increase the life of the septic system.

Let's first see how septic tanks function properly for so long without maintenance. Whenever something goes out through the drainage lines in our homes, it goes to the septic tank initially. Visualize of it as a gigantic tank that is usually made of concrete though very old ones are probably made of steel. The drainage lines enter the tank through an inlet tee near the top, while there is another outlet tee at the other end from where liquids leaves the tank and goes to the drain field into the soil.

Upon water entering via the inlet tee, the solid materials often sink to the bottom of the tank make a sludge. Some solids that don't sink inside the water gather at the surface along with grease and oily liquids forming scum. Since the outlet tee is at a certain height, solids from the sludge usually don't pass on to the drain field. Likewise, the tees keep sludge and dirt away from the out and inlet.

Bacteria within the septic tank help to liquify the solids, ensuring that they don't build up too much. This is the manner in which septic tanks continue functioning well - unless damage occurs to them, which it usually does eventually. The issues most often happen when debris reaches the out or inlet. So the only way to keep the system running smoothly is by pumping the waste out of the tank before the sludge or scum become overgrown in volume.

Nevertheless, you still need to be careful in your routine life to increase the performance of septic tanks. Firstly, the drain field should not be damp with rainwater; if it is already overloaded with water from other sources, it would not be able to efficiently absorb the water coming from the septic tank. Likewise, make sure that your internal draining lines are not putting an unnecessary amount of water into the septic tank. A common reason for this can be leaking faucets or overrunning showers. So fix these problems whenever you come across them.

Secondly, do not plant trees close to septic tanks as the roots may grow into the equipment and cause problems. And don't throw all sorts of garbage into your drainage system. Diapers, condoms, napkins aren't usually broken down into liquids by bacteria and would quickly pile up the level of sludge inside the septic tank. Additionally, ensure you do not use chemical cleaning agents in substantial volumes; these cleaners typically eliminate bacteria inside the tanks and hinder the processing of liquefying solids. And most importantly, never drain grease or other oily liquids; these would gather inside tanks as scum and may even harm the soil and drain field if they escape through the outlet.

Take all these precautionary steps and you will rarely face problems with the septic system.

Scott Rodgers is a plumbing professional who has worked with septic tanks for many years. If you want more information on septic tanks or a qualified plumber to help you repair damage to your tank, visit http://www.eLocalPlumbers.com