Your Septic Questions Answered by the Pros

With many newer homes here in Florida being built on city sewer systems, the lowly septic tank doesn't get as much attention as it used to. However, many older homes and more established neighborhoods around Polk County were built with septic tanks. If you purchase one of those homes, you might be scratching your head when you see discussions online about septic system maintenance, drain fields, and being picky about your toilet paper selections.

Let's start with the basics: if you have your own private septic system, as the homeowner are responsible for the care and maintenance of that system. Failing to maintain your septic system can put you and others around you at risk. A failing system can contaminate groundwater which leads to diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, and hepatitis. With that out of the way, what does it actually mean to maintain your septic tank?

• Water conservation. It takes time for the septic system to separate solid material from water and send the excess water on to the drain field. This means that too much water at once can overload your tank. Make sure to turn off water when it isn’t being used (while brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.) and try to be smart when taking showers or doing laundry.

• Watch what you flush. Never flush garbage or any other non-biological waste down the toilet. Obviously the exception to this is toilet paper, as it has been specially designed to break down easily in your septic tank. However, things like facial/baby wipes, plastics, harsh chemicals, etc. are NOT safe to flush and can damage your system over time. Even toilet paper should be recommended as septic-safe and be easily broken down. Many varieties available on the market today (specifically those that are "extra cushioned") are actually not recommended for your system and could cause backups over time.

• Environmentally Safe = Septic Safe. As much as possible, use environmentally friendly materials such as dish soaps and hand soaps. Not only are they better for you and the environment, but they are also more gentle on your septic system. Harsh chemicals can cause damage to the internal parts of your septic system over time, and lead to it wearing out faster. Be nice to the environment AND your septic system.

• Pump. Make sure you get your septic tank pumped every 1-5 years, depending on factors such as whether or not you have a garbage disposal, how many people are in your household, and the size of your tank. This ensures you don't end up with costly backups that ruin your yard, parts of your home, or even the property of nearby neighbors.

• Outdoor maintenance matters. Don’t let tree roots and other plants take over the area around your tank. Additionally, make sure heavy objects such as storage sheds, vehicles, concrete, etc. are NOT installed over your tank. This can cause damage to the system and mean expensive repairs for you. Be mindful of where landscaping is planted. If possible, keep a property map on hand, showing where your septic tank is located, so it's easy to reference for future planning.

We hope this will make you think a little more about your septic system and what it does for you! If you are having trouble with your pipes and plumbing, give us a call. Dickens Plumbing Inc. is experienced in all kinds of plumbing diagnostic and repair services, and we work with homes and businesses throughout the greater Polk County area. We know the telltale signs of septic trouble and can help you determine if it's a serious issue, or a simple clog inside your home. We're here to help!

Getting Down and Dirty: Septic System Tips from the Pros

Maintaining your home is an ongoing process of inspections, cleaning, and general upkeep, and chances are you have a list of annual to-do tasks. Getting your AC serviced, reviving your landscaping, replacing and repairing various bits as they wear out, etc. are part of home ownership. How often though, do you think about what is...

...down below?? 😶

That's right. We're talking about your septic system.

Here in Polk County, we have a mixture of homes with septic tanks and those that are part of the public sewer system. If you have your own private septic system, you as the homeowner are responsible for the care and maintenance of that system. Failing to maintain your septic system can put you and others around you at risk. A failing system can contaminate groundwater which leads to diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery, and hepatitis.

Good news is, if you care properly for your septic system, it can last you upwards of 25 years. The cost of maintenance averages $100-$300 spread out over a year, whereas replacing your system can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $10,000. These savings make it worth the effort to care properly for your septic system. Here are our top tips to keep it functioning at its best.

1. Conserve Water Your septic tank can only handle a certain amount of water at a time. It takes time for the system to separate solid material from water and send the excess water on to the drain field. This means that too much water at once can overload your tank. Make sure to turn off water when it isn’t being used (while brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.) and try to be smart when taking showers or doing laundry.

2. Don’t Flush Non-Biological Waste and Garbage Obviously the exception to this is toilet paper, as it has been specially designed to break down easily in your septic tank. However, things like facial/baby wipes, plastics, harsh chemicals, etc. are NOT safe to flush and can damage your system over time. Even toilet paper should be recommended as septic-safe and be easily broken down. Many varieties available on the market today (specifically those that are "extra cushioned" are actually not recommended for your system and could cause backups over time.

3. Environmentally Safe = Septic Safe As much as possible, use environmentally friendly materials such as dish soaps and hand soaps. Not only are they better for you and the environment, but they are also more gentle on your septic system. Harsh chemicals can cause damage to the internal parts of your septic system over time, and lead to it wearing out faster. Be nice to the environment AND your septic system.

4. Get Pumped About Maintenance! Make sure you get your septic tank pumped every 1-5 years, depending on factors such as whether or not you have a garbage disposal, how many people are in your household, and the size of your tank. This ensures you don't end up with costly backups that ruin your yard, parts of your home, or even the property of nearby neighbors.

5. Maintain Around the Tank Don’t let tree roots and other plants take over the area around your tank. Additionally, make sure heavy objects such as storage sheds, vehicles, concrete, etc. are NOT over your tank. This can cause damage to the system and mean expensive repairs for you. Be mindful of where landscaping is planted. If possible, keep a property map on hand, showing where your septic tank is located, so it's easy to reference for future planning.

We hope this will make you think a little more about your septic system and what it does for you! If you are having trouble with your pipes and plumbing, give us a call. Dickens Plumbing Inc. is experienced in all kinds of plumbing diagnostic and repair services, and we work with homes and businesses throughout the greater Polk County area.