Few things are surrounded by as much bad advice as septic system maintenance. There are many myths out there about how to maintain a septic system and some are more dangerous than others. These are the top myths about septic systems:
#1 – If it Isn’t Broken, Don’t Fix It
This couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality is, if you don’t maintain your septic system properly, it will break. When it comes to a septic system, it’s best to spot a problem before it becomes a bigger issue. No one would ever drive a car without changing the oil simply because the car has not broken yet. The fact of the matter is that if you wait till it’s too late, the necessary repairs may end up being much more expensive than they should have been.
#2 – You Only Need to Pump Your Tank When You Experience Problems
This myth arises from the same mentality of only fixing things when they break. The truth is that to prevent your septic tank from breaking you should pump your tank as part of its scheduled maintenance. Although certain things like waste and paper do break up on their own over time, solid matter will accumulate at the bottom. If you don’t pump your tank, there is nothing to clean these solids out.
#3 – It Does Not Matter How Much Water You Use
Actually, it does matter. A septic tank only has a set size and can only contain a finite amount of water at once. If, for whatever reason, you have a prolonged period of excessive water usage, it’s possible that your tank will exceed its capacity. When it comes to maintaining a working system, tracking your water usage is very important.
#4 – A Septic Tank Will Pretty Much Last Forever
Even the best and most well maintained septic tanks will not last forever – nothing ever does. The average useful lifespan of a septic tank is typically around 25 years. Some may last longer but, eventually, it will need to be replaced.
If you are experiencing septic problems, before resorting to expensive repairs, try one of our Maxx’s Products cleaning products. Call us now for more information.