Septic Tank Maintenance in Red Bay, 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. Licensed technicians can be found using the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board Website.

It is advisable to hire a licensed technician to clean your septic tank and effluent filter every three to five years. Proper upkeep enhances system longevity, prevents costly repairs, and protects groundwater from pollutants.

Essential Steps for Proper Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your septic tank system starts with installing an effluent filter. The filter will alert you when the system needs servicing. Neglecting system maintenance can lead to system failure.

Consequences of a Failing Septic System

If your septic system fails, it can:

• Pose risks to your family’s health
• Cause environmental pollution
• Reduce your property value
• Be expensive to repair

Protect yourself from raw sewage and illnesses caused by sewage.

Signs of Potential System Problems

Possible indicators of septic system issues are:

• Soggy areas in the yard
• Slow-draining toilets or drains
• Unusual gurgling noises from your drains
• 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
• Fix leaking faucets or toilets promptly
• Redirect roof runoff, downspouts, and surface water away from the drain field
• Add an effluent filter to your tank at 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
• 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

• Don’t flush or pour: coffee grounds, disposable diapers, wipes, sanitary napkins, medication, cigarette butts, fats, grease, oil, paints, thinners, kitchen scraps, dental floss, kitty litter, tampons, condoms, paper towels, varnishes, waste oils, or pesticides
• Don’t drive over your drain field or compact the soil
• Refrain from digging or building on your drain field, and avoid covering it with concrete or asphalt
• Only plant grass over or near the drain field, as roots from other plants may damage the drain lines
• Don’t install a swimming pool near your 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
• Do not invest in septic tank additives as the required bacteria are already present in sewage. Additives can cause clogging by resuspending solids and are not a substitute for regular pumping
• Don’t allow backwash from home water softeners to enter 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.

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.