Plumbing Rules To Follow When You Have A Septic Tank
Posted on: 2 May 2017
Share
A home's plumbing system should always be maintained and cared for properly, but you need to pay extra attention to your plumbing when your home has a septic system. If you have problems with the pipes in your home, you could end up with major problems with your septic tank which can lead to a disgusting sewage backup. When your home has a septic system, follow these plumbing tips:
Take Care When Flushing
The only thing that should ever be flushed down your toilet is human waste and toilet paper that is safe to use with a septic system. Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, baby wipes and products labeled as flushable wipes should never be flushed. If these things are flushed, they can cause a serious clog in your pipe and eventually block the pipe that allows waste to flow into the septic tank. Make sure that your family members and guests in your home are aware of the rules about what can be flushed down the toilet.
Avoid Chemical Drain Cleaners
When you have a clogged drain or a drain that is draining very slowly, your first thought may be to buy a bottle of liquid drain cleaner. While this may be okay in homes that are connected to a sewer system, it is not a good idea to use them for plumbing problems when you have a septic tank. A septic tank has a diverse population of bacteria that helps break down waste so the tank does not fill up too fast; introducing chemical drain cleaner can kill off the bacteria in the tank and cause problems with waste breaking down.
Don't Pour Grease Down the Drain
When it comes to the kitchen of a home with a septic tank, take care to not pour grease and fats down the kitchen sink drain when cooking. Over time, the fats and grease can congeal and harden inside the pipes which can cause clogs or even eventually blog the pipe that leads to the septic tank itself. It is in your best interest to pour fats and grease into a bucket and dispose of it in your outdoor trash can.
Keep the Pipe to Your Septic Tank Clear
If your home has a septic tank, the last thing you want is for the pipe that leads to the septic tank to become blocked. If it does become blocked, raw sewage will have no where to go and will eventually overflow from your drains and toilets. It is a good ides to have a plumber clean this pipe on a regular basis to ensure that it is always clear.