When properly maintained, septic tanks can save homeowners thousands of dollars on sewage bills over the system’s life.
According to Penn State, nearly 26% of homes in Pennsylvania have septic tank systems–most commonly found in rural areas, such as Northeast Pennsylvania.
With a little basic maintenance and care at the sink, you can greatly extend the life of your system. However, you will have to service your septic tank system every few years and get it inspected to ensure it works properly and has no clogs or backflows.
Whether you own a septic system or are looking to buy a home with a septic tank and are a first-time owner, this guide will cover basic septic tank maintenance to help you prolong the life of your system.
Understand How Your Septic System Works
Septic tanks may seem foreign to folks from Scranton or Wilkes-Barre, but they are fairly simple systems.
At its heart, a septic system is a wastewater conveyance designed to separate solids from liquids and disperse the resulting mixture into a drain field (i.e., your backyard or separate field).
The solids float to the bottom of the tank where they decompose and the scum floats to the top. The clarified liquid (effluent) then flows into the drainfield, where it percolates into the soil for final treatment, helping to enrich the soil with nutrients.
By understanding this process and identifying where each component lies, you can avoid costly mistakes, such as parking a vehicle over your drain pipes, and identify issues as they arise at the source.
Basic Septic Tank Maintenance: How Homeowners Can Help Their Septic
Septic tank maintenance doesn’t have to be expensive;, by practicing just a few housekeeping steps, you can greatly extend the life of your septic system.
Watch What You Flush
Whether you have a sewage system or a septic tank, you can greatly extend the life of your pipes and wastewater conveyance by limiting the amount of solid materials you flush down the drain. Some of the most common waste products that end up clogging pipes and slowing down drainage include:
- Grease, fats, or oils
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paper towels or wipes (even “flushable” ones)
- Harsh chemicals (bleach, drain cleaners)
Paints, solvents, or medications
Most experts also caution against using garbage disposals altogether, as residents are more likely to flush solid waste products through their pipes instead of their garbage.
Additionally, consider switching to septic-safe toilet paper and eco-friendly cleaners.
Conserve Water Usage
Septic systems are designed to process a certain volume of water each day. Overloading the system can flush solids into the drainfield or prevent the tank from properly separating waste.
Some tips to reduce water usage include:
- Fixing leaking faucets and toilets immediately
- Spreading out laundry loads during the week
- Using low-flow showerheads and toilets
- Only running dishwashers and washing machines when full
Overuse can strain an already sensitive system in areas like NEPA with older homes or high water tables, especially during wet months.
Avoid Septic Additives
Some companies market septic additives as a way to eliminate pumping or boost bacterial activity. While these products might sound appealing, most experts, including the EPA, agree they’re unnecessary and sometimes harmful.
Additives can disrupt the natural bacterial balance in the tank, slowing down decomposition. Additives can also push solids into the drainfield prematurely and void your warranty.
Protect the Drainfield
Your drainfield is essential to the system and needs protection from compaction, contamination, and excessive water.
We strongly caution against parking heavy vehicles on the drainfield or planting trees near the drainfield. Limiting erosion in the drainfield and direct downspouts from the house away from the drainfield is also wise.
Maintain Good Records
Good record keeping can ensure you never miss a routine pump or inspection. Maintain a log of all septic services, including pumping dates, inspection reports, and any repairs or upgrades.
This information is helpful for routine maintenance, home sales, or diagnosing problems. In NEPA, where some systems date back decades, having historical documentation can be a major advantage when selling a house with a septic system.
Professional Septic Tank Maintenance
To truly guarantee a long septic life free of costly repairs, it’s essential to get routine maintenance performed by a professional every so often.
Getting Your Tank Pumped Regularly
One of the most important steps in septic system care is regular pumping. Over time, solids accumulate in the tank and can overflow into the drainfield if not removed. This can clog the system and lead to failure.
Generally, we recommend pumping your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. However, your pumping schedule depends on your household size, tank size, and water usage habits.
Due to our area’s cold winters and clay-heavy soils, failing to pump your tank can quickly become a costly problem due to poor percolation and frozen drainfields.
Scheduling Routine Professional Inspections
Even if your system seems to be working fine, regular septic inspections can catch early warning signs before a minor issue becomes a major repair.
A certified septic professional in NEPA can check for:
- Sludge and scum levels in your tank
- Signs of leakage or backup
- The condition of the tank, baffles, and pipes
- Drainfield saturation or odor issues
Aim to have your system inspected at least once every three years, or more often if you have an older system with a history of problems.
Warning Signs Your Septic Needs Repairs
Septic system problems rarely go away on their own and are built to last for decades. Pay attention to the following red flags that your septic system may be in need of repair.
- Slow-draining sinks or toilets
- Gurgling sounds from plumbing
- Wet, soggy, or unusually green patches of grass over the drainfield
- Sewage odors indoors or outdoors
- Backups in the lowest drains of the house
If you notice any of these issues, call a septic professional immediately. Delaying repairs can lead to complete system failure, which you don’t want during the winter.
Caring for Your Septic System Pays Off
Your septic system is one of the most important parts of your home. With proper care, it can last 20 to 40 years or longer with little to no repairs. Unfortunately, neglect can lead to backups, environmental damage, and expensive system replacements.
Whether you live in the backwoods of Wayne County, the hills of Luzerne County, or the farmlands of Lackawanna, taking the time to properly care for your septic system ensures peace of mind, protects your investment, and safeguards NEPA’s groundwater and environment.
FAQs
Is it OK to use a garbage disposal with a septic system?
It’s not recommended. Garbage disposals add extra solids to your tank and can lead to faster sludge buildup.
Can I plant trees near my septic system?
No. Tree roots can invade pipes and tanks, causing damage. Stick to grass and shallow-rooted plants that won’t disrupt pipes underground.
Are septic tank additives helpful?
Generally, no. Most additives are unnecessary and may harm your system or drainfield.