Feeding the Septic System – How Often, and Why?

Did you know that if you live in an average home (one with three occupants and two baths) you produce more than 85,000 wastewater gallons every year? Yes, this translates to about 300 water gallons every day!

Imagine how difficult or challenging your home would be without a working septic system. Would you even survive a few days in such a home? Of course not! This alone should be enough reason for you to feed your septic system.

However, chances are that you do not know how frequently you are supposed to feed it. Do not even be surprised if we told you that some people have to wait for an issue for them to feed their septic system. Others do not even know anything when it comes to maintaining their septic systems.

So, How Often and Why Should You Feed Your Septic System?

If you want your septic system to work without any issues, then you should have it checked regularly. You will have to regularly feed it to ensure that you have prevented solids from getting into your drain field, something that can clog soil pores.

Even though you should feed the septic system regularly, experts recommend doing it after every three years if you do not have a garbage disposal. However, if you have a garbage disposal at home, you can feed your septic system after every year.

You do not have to be the kind of person who assumes that since they have never had a problem with their septic systems, they do not have to feed them. You might encounter some serious and expensive issues that might leave a dent in your pocket.

It is important to note that as you keep using your system, you will have solid materials settling at the bottom of your septic tank. These materials create a sludge layer. On the other hand, you will have lightweight materials and grease forming scum and floating on the septic tank.

If you make sure that you have designed your septic system well, you will not have to worry about sludge accumulation for about three to five years. However, after this time, sewage will not have enough time to settle and leave the septic tank. Having high levels of sludge means that you will have more solid waste escaping to the SAS (Soil Absorption System).

You should try as much as you can to avoid such an issue. If you get your SAS system clogged, it will not absorb liquids at the accepted rates. In such a case, you will have your plumbing backing up. You might even have to deal with wastewater bubbling on the surface.

If you ever have to deal with this issue, make sure that you hire licensed plumbing companies such as Conroe HVAC Repair. Such companies have experience handling plumbing issues and know exactly what to do to make sure that your septic system meets its obligations.

Taking Care of Your Septic System

Now that we know how often and why you should feed your septic system, are there any other measures you can take to ensure that the system is in overall good condition? Well, if this is something you have been looking for, we have got your back. Here are a few things you should do.

Feeding the Septic System

1. Practice Efficient Use of Water

How well do you use water at home? Are you the kind of a person who will leave their taps running without worrying about where this water goes? Or do you use more water than needed when handling tasks like dishwashing?

If you do not care about how water is used at home, you will have a lot of wastewater going through your drains. In addition, you will be giving the soil a difficult time making sure that it treats and absorbs all this water. What else do you expect apart from issues with your septic system if you are wasting water?

If you manage to balance and reduce water usage, you will not only extend your drain field’s life but also avoid expensive repairs and reduce the chances of failure. You can start by installing devices like faucet aerators that help you save water.

2. Do Not Use Your Toilets as Trash Cans

Did you know some people assume that their toilets can and should handle anything thrown at them? Well, doing this will simply invite trouble for your septic system. Apart from the normal things that the toilet is made for, make sure that nothing else goes through your toilet.

Make sure that no one flushes wipes, female hygiene products, newspapers, paper towels, hair, diapers, dental floss, rags, cigarette butts, cooking oils, grease, cat litter, and coffee grounds in your toilets. These things will cause more harm than good for your septic system.

3. Take Care of the Area Near the Septic System

Did you think you would be okay with just maintaining your septic system? Well, you also need to check and take care of the area near and around the septic system. To start with, make sure that you do not have water runoff near the system.

In addition, ensure that you have diverted water from sump pumps, patios, driveways, and roof drains from the drain field area and septic tank. You should mound soil on the system to ensure that surface water runs off without any problems.

You should also make sure that you have protected the septic system from getting damaged. Things like livestock, heavy equipment, and vehicles should never be allowed on the septic system. If you are not careful, you might find yourself dealing with damaged pipes and compact soil.

4. Maintain the Drain Well

Do you know what treats and digests waste in your septic system? It is done by enzymes and bacteria in the septic system. If you are not careful with your drain, you might end up killing them, something that can destroy your septic system.

So, what can you do to maintain your drain? Start by making sure that you have not poured toxins down the drain. Even when your drain is clogged, do not use drain openers made using chemicals. You can, instead, use a drain snake or boiling water.

In addition, do not pour grease or cooking oil on the drain. Instead, you can throw such waste in the trash after cooling and hardening. If you cannot maintain the drain, you will deal with a faulty septic system every time.

Your septic system plays a very essential role in making life comfortable at home. However, for this to happen, you have to make sure that you have taken good care of the septic system. 

Apart from the measures discussed above, you need to feed the system after every three years. This is the only way for you to make sure that your system does exactly what it is supposed to do without any problems.