3 Ways to Improve the Performance of a Residential Septic System

Septic systems treat sewage through the action of aerobic bacteria and discharge the resultant effluent to the soil. A healthy septic system is essential for proper sewage treatment and discharge. However, there's more to maintaining the system than flushing the right things down your drain. Even with good flushing habits, you may find your septic tank overflowing or backing up in your drains. 

How do you maintain your septic system and prevent sewer-related problems? Below are three steps to improve the performance of your home's septic system.

Re-route runoff and rainwater drain pipes

Poor drainage design can be a major contributor to septic failure. In some homes, stormwater runoff pipes drain water into the septic tank. Other homes have their downspouts, sump pumps, floor drains and yard drainage systems connected to the septic systems. During the rainy season, these drains discharge a lot of water into the septic tank, which causes the tank to overflow.

If you experience sewer overflow and backups during the rainy season, you need to redesign your drainage system. Your septic tank is meant for draining wastewater from indoor plumbing. Therefore, re-route drain pipes away from your septic tank to prevent it from getting overwhelmed by the high water capacity. Ensure that underground drainage systems do not dump water in your leach field, as the field could flood as well.

Create a pumping schedule 

During the sewage treatment process, aerobic bacteria break down wastewater into effluent and sludge. Effluent flows out into the drain field where it is discharged into the soil. The sludge remains at the bottom of the tank. You need to pump out the tank regularly to get rid of the sludge and any non-biodegradable waste that may have settled in the tank.

Regular septic pumping and cleaning protects your septic system from clogs and backups. It gets rid of harmful waste that may kill aerobic bacteria in the tank. Pumping prevents the discharge of raw sewage into the ground, a situation that can cause groundwater contamination. Create a pumping schedule depending on the size of your tank and the size of your household. If you have a large household, pump out the tank often to prevent an overflow.

Conduct annual septic system inspections

Just like other parts of your drainage system, your septic system can fail. The tank can wear or corrode due to old age. Your drain field may get clogged because of poor flushing habits, pipe wear and natural factors. Similarly, the sewer line may break due to invasive tree roots. However, you don't have to wait for your system to fail to repair it. Annual septic system inspections can unearth potential problems before they cause an emergency in your home. 

A healthy septic system facilitates wastewater drainage and protects your household from sewer-related health hazards. Contact a septic tank service for maintenance and repair services.

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