Septic Tank Maintenance in Cordova, AL

Importance of Regular Septic Tank Maintenance

According to state regulations, septic tank installers and pumpers are required to hold a license from the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board. You can locate licensed technicians through the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board’s website.

You should contact a licensed technician to clean your septic tank and effluent filter every three to five years. Regular maintenance extends the life of your system, avoids costly repairs, and safeguards groundwater from contamination.

Essential Steps for Proper Maintenance

To properly maintain your septic tank system, begin by installing an effluent filter. The filter will alert you when the system needs servicing. Inadequate maintenance may result in system failure.

Consequences of a Failing Septic System

Failing septic tank systems can:

• Threaten the health of your household
• Pollute the environment
• Diminish the value of your property
• Incur high repair costs

Shield yourself from the dangers of raw sewage and related health issues.

Signs of Potential System Problems

Possible indicators of septic system issues are:

• Damp spots on your property
• Drains or toilets with slow drainage
• Unusual gurgling noises from your drains
• Sewage odors

Do’s and Don’ts for Septic System Maintenance

Do’s

• Reduce water usage to minimize wastewater for your system
• Address leaks in faucets or toilets
• Redirect roof runoff, downspouts, and surface water away from the drain field
• Install an effluent filter in your tank during the next pumping
• Schedule annual inspections and regular pumpings with a licensed contractor
• Make your septic tank cover accessible by installing watertight risers and secure lids for easy inspections and pumpings
• Contact your local health department or a licensed contractor if you notice problems or potential system failure
• Keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, and other maintenance activities and pass these on to the next homeowner

Don’ts

• Avoid flushing or pouring coffee grounds, diapers, wipes, sanitary products, medication, cigarette butts, fats, grease, oil, paints, thinners, kitchen waste, dental floss, kitty litter, tampons, condoms, paper towels, varnishes, waste oils, or pesticides
• Do not drive over or compress the soil in your drain field
• Do not dig, build, or cover your drain field with hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt
• Only plant grass over or near the drain field, as roots from other plants may damage the drain lines
• Do not build a swimming pool near your septic system
• Limit the use of garbage disposals as they can raise solids in your tank by approximately 50%, leading to more frequent pumpings
• Don’t use your toilet as a trash can or poison your system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the bacteria that help purify your wastewater
• Don’t waste money on septic tank additives. The bacteria needed to treat wastewater are naturally present in sewage. Additives can re-suspend solids causing your drain field to clog. Additives do not eliminate the need for routine pumping of your tank
• Prevent backwash from water softeners from entering the septic tank system
• Never enter a septic tank due to the risk of toxic gases. Contact your local health department or a licensed contractor for guidance on system problems.

Consult our Homeowner’s Guide and Record-Keeping Folder for detailed maintenance records and further guidance on septic tank care.

Give us a call now at (888) 860-0649 to request a free in-home estimate.