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New To Septic Systems? Here’s What NOT To Do

Have you recently moved and are just getting accustomed to your new home’s septic system? Understandably so, as it’s quite a transition to suddenly have to be conscious of everything you put down the drain. But it does not have to be an unpleasant change. Just so long as you follow the rules, you shouldn’t have any problems. Follow these guidelines to avoid a burden a few years down the road.

1.No paint. No paint thinner. We know. It’s a liquid, so it should be harmless. It’s not. In fact, any chemicals, including bleach, have no business going down the toilet. They will stick to the piping and it won’t take much for the whole system to get backed up.

2.Keep an eye on the disposal: In case you’ve grown accustomed to using a garbage disposal when cleaning the dishes, that’s all good and fine, but just keep in mind that moderation is your friend. Remember that everything that goes down that drain goes to the septic tank. The more solid food, etc. you put down the drain, the higher the risk of one of those chunks not getting sliced up enough to make its way all the way through your waste system.

3.Save the oil for another meal: When finished cooking, it may seem logical to get rid of the excess grease and oil. The best move is to save it and reuse it another night. But if you really want it out, then make sure you dispose of it in the garbage and not in the sink. Just imagine how difficult it is to sufficiently wash your hands/dishes when they’re particularly greasy. That’s usually after you’ve poured out the excess. Multiply that tenfold and that’s the degree to which all that grease is sticking to your pipes. And whatever doesn’t fully make its way to the tank has potential to create blockage. You should be especially wary of this when cleaning pots and pans.

4.Keep tabs on water usage and time: In general, it is best to get your Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning done every three to five years. Keep in mind that this should also depend on how frequently it’s used. So if you live with a lot of people who take a lot of showers and use a lot of water, you should get your tank pumped and cleaned more often than if you live with one person and spend large parts of the year elsewhere.

5.DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR OVER THE TANK: This is a big no-go for anyone looking to maintain longevity with septic systems. Every time you place anything particularly heavy on top of a septic tank, you are effectively compacting and damaging the system. Do this over and over for years and in time you will have done enough damage that it won’t even be worth it to repair. You will have to replace it. And that can be a very expensive job that requires lots of time, planning, and spending.

Frankly, a lot of these should be followed regardless whether there’s a septic tank or otherwise. Paint, grease, and excessive amounts of uneaten food really have no business going through any piping system. So consider these to be universal guidelines. If you suspect it may be time to get your very own Poughkeepsie NY septic tank cleaning, or your Dutchess County NY septic tank cleaning, you can reach the very best septic tank cleaning service in town. Contact us here, or call us at 845 452 1123 or 800 696 6878 to set up an appointment.

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