Helpful Tips
Yearly service and inspection of your septic system network is the key to maximumize system life. Proper maintenance and use will prevent a system’s failure.
Water conservation is essential to a system’s function. Follow these simple guidelines:
- Install water saving devices such as showerheads and toilets. These types of devices improve biological environment in tanks and allow the solids to settle and the clearer, effluent water to move through the leaching facility network.
- Repair leaky faucets and toilets immediately. A leaky toilet can cause a good system to fail very quickly.
- Educate your family on water conservation. Below are good examples:
- Do not run water and/or flush toilets needlessly
- Make sure clothes washer and/or dishwashers have full loads before running
Some suggestions and recommendations for proper use of your system:
- Use bleach sparingly
- Keep grease, fat, and food wastes out of your septic system as much as possible
- Use toilet bowl cleaners and acid- based sewer line cleaning chemicals only in moderation
- Dispose of paint thinners and other chemicals properly. Do not put them in your septic system
- Use only biodegradable products such as toilet paper, laundry detergents and cleaners in your home
- Garbage disposals are not recommended on septic. If you have one, remember to not put anything in the disposal that is not eatable or biodegradable.
- The Zaring Professionals recommend the use of bacterial enzyme conditioners to improve your systems functioning. We have a complete line of safe products for your septic system.
Warning Signs of Septic System Failure:
- Plumbing Backups
- Sluggish Drainage in the Home
- Mushy Ground or Greener Grass in Area of Septic System
- Outdoor Odor
- Gurgling Sound in Pipes and Drains
Other Causes of a Septic System Failure:
- Improper Placement – in an area of poor drainage
- Improper Installation – not according to septic codes
- Tree Roots Clogging Pipes – ask your septic contractor about this issue
- Water Softners – salts and chemicals will damage the septic tank. If possible, try to channel washer machine and waste from the water softeners into a separate disposal area, such as a dry well.
- Overloading – use water sparingly. Try to do only full loads of wash at off-peak times. Do not put kitchen grease down the drain. Do not flush cigarette butts, sanitary napkins, or other inorganic materials down the toilet.
- Garbage Disposals – ground up food particles are especially hard on the septic system because they are
- not digested first by the human body. Any septic system that receives garbage grindings needs the extra help of ccls® enzymes to breakdown these solids.
A Few Last Recommendations:
- Know where your septic system is located and try to keep a drawing of it
- Do not build driveways, patios, or any other type of construction over your septic system
- Do not allow heavy equipment near any part of your septic system
- Do not plant trees within 30 feet of your septic system
- Divert all gutters away from the septic system
- Have your septic system serviced and cleaned regularly (every two to four years.)
- Do not forget your septic system is a living network. Feed it right!