For those who own or are looking to buy or even rent a home with a septic system, there are some basic pieces of knowledge that will come very handy to them in the future. As your Dutchess County NY septic tank repairs experts, here at Jones Septic, we’re keen on sharing the best practices when it comes to septic system management and maintenance to ensure your safety and your family’s.
- Always hire a qualified inspector to check out the system of any property you’re aiming to buy and make sure he or she investigates these main things:
- Is the system legal?
- Was it installed with a permit?
- Is the system the proper size to accommodate the needs of your family or business?
- How old is the system and has it been properly maintained?
- When was the septic tank last pumped?
- Have there been any problems in the past?
- Are all plumbing fixtures connected to the septic tank?
- How many people previously lived in the house?
- Are there signs of a septic system failure such as soggy areas over the septic tank or drain field areas?
- Installing a new septic system must be done in several steps. First, you’ll need to apply for a site evaluation in which a specialist will evaluate your property and identify the type of septic system needed and the best location for it.
Second, you’ll have to pay for the inspection fill in the forms and pay for the permit. Then, you’ll have to hire a professional to install the system according to normative, followed by another inspection to clear out any potential issues or concerns. - Having your septic tank inspected on a regular basis for solids accumulation is the best way to prevent a system failure along with responsible use of the system overall. When the solids accumulation is greater than 40%, your septic tank must be pumped by a licensed professional.
- A few things you should never do when you have a septic system:
- DON’T flush material that’s hard to decompose (hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products).
- NEVER enter your tank, any work to the tank.
- DON’T wash or flush medicines or chemicals (paint, paint thinner, bleach, etc).
- DON’T drive over the septic tank or drain lines.
- DON’T plant anything over or near the drain field except grass.
- NEVER dig in your drain field or build anything over it.
- DON’T cover the drain field with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.
- NEVER make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required permit and make sure to call a professionally licensed septic contractor when needed.
- DON’T use septic tank additives.
- NEVER allow backwash from home water softeners to enter the septic system.
- Some things that will keep your septic system running smoothly:
- Have your septic tank pumped out regularly by a licensed contractor.
- Divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the septic system.
- Keep a detailed record of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
- Keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping.
- Cover the drain field with a grass cover.
- Use substitutes for household hazardous waste.
- Learn the location of your septic tank and drain field. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for service visits.
- Conserve water to avoid overloading the system.
Call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system.
