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Your septic system is responsible for removing waste from your home and depositing it into a large tank. Inside this tank, the waste is broken down by good bacteria and then separated into 3 different layers. The bottom layer is where the heaviest sludge sits. Then, the water or fluid stays in the middle. Finally, the scum or top layer sits on top. As more and more water flows into your system, the water level is pushed through to a drain field where it seeps into your grass. While a septic system is fairly easy to maintain, there are a few things that you could be doing to damage it. - Using a garbage disposal. If you have a septic system in place, you shouldn’t be using a garbage disposal. A garbage disposal grinds up all of your food and waste until its small enough to flow through your drains. If you have a septic system, this can easily overload the tank. Plus, grease and solids cause clogs and buildup that choke your drain field. Instead of using a disposal, dispose of old food in the trash instead.
- Flushing things down the toilet. The only thing that should be flushed down your toilet is toilet paper. Cigarette butts, coffee grounds, diapers, and feminine products can’t be broken down by the bacteria in your septic system. Avoid flushing anything down your toilet except for bath tissue.
- Washing chemicals down the drain. Paint products, oil, and antifreeze all have the potential to kill the good bacteria that is breaking down waste in your septic system. Even every day cleaners could cause problems. Be careful not to wash or rinse any damaging chemicals down your drain.
- Parking cars on top of your drain field and septic tank. The soil around your drainage field shouldn’t be packed down. The looser it is, the easier the excess water can soak in. By parking cars, placing patio furniture, pools, or animals on top of your tank and drainage field, you could put undue pressure on your system. This could cause drain field damage or cause the pipes to break within your system.
- Using septic tank additives. Even some products that are advertised to help your septic tank could be causing problems. If they don’t clog the drain field, they could pollute the ground and water. Check with the bylaws in your area to see which additives are safe to use and which ones you should avoid.
- Draining your hot tub into your septic tank. While it may be water, the liquid in your hot tub is full of chlorine. This can kill the good bacteria in your tank and also drown your drain field. Keep your hot tub away from your septic system and especially your drain field.
If you’ve noticed that your septic system isn’t disposing of waste the way it should, it may be time to call a company who specializes in pumping septic systems in Salinas. Maintaining your system properly is key to its health and the prevention of sewage backup.
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