Septic Tank Maintenance in Montgomery, AL

Importance of Regular Septic Tank Maintenance

State law mandates that all septic tank installers and pumpers must be licensed by the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board. Licensed technicians can be found using the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board 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. This filter will notify you when it’s time to service the system. Inadequate maintenance may result in system failure.

Consequences of a Failing Septic System

A failing septic system may:

• Endanger your family’s health
• Harm the environment
• Diminish the value of your property
• Be expensive to repair

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

Signs of Potential System Problems

Signs of potential septic system problems include:

• Wet spots in the yard
• Slow-draining toilets or drains
• Gurgling or bubbling sounds in the plumbing
• Unpleasant odors from sewage

Do’s and Don’ts for Septic System Maintenance

Do’s

• Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater your system handles
• Repair any leaking faucets or toilets
• Keep roof drainage and other surface water away from your drain field
• Install an effluent filter in your tank during the next pumping
• Ensure yearly inspections and frequent pumpings by a certified septic tank professional
• Make your septic tank cover accessible by installing watertight risers and secure lids for easy inspections and pumpings
• Reach out to your county health department or a professional if you encounter system issues or failure signs
• Maintain a record of all repairs, pumpings, inspections, and maintenance, and provide this to future homeowners

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
• Avoid driving over or compacting the soil of your drain field
• Do not dig, build, or cover your drain field with hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt
• Avoid planting anything except grass over or near the drain field as roots from trees and shrubs can clog the lines
• Do not build a swimming pool near your septic system
• Don’t use a garbage disposal, or at least limit its usage. Disposals increase solids in your tank by about 50%, so you have to pump your tank more often than normally suggested
• Avoid using your toilet as a trash can and refrain from pouring harmful chemicals down the drain, as they can kill the beneficial bacteria in your system
• 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
• Don’t enter a septic tank. Toxic gases from the tank can be lethal. If your system develops problems, seek advice from your county health department or a licensed septic tank contractor.

View our Homeowner’s Guide and Record-Keeping Folder to keep track of your maintenance and for more information on maintaining your septic tank.

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