A residential septic system is responsible for household waste management. The waste that leaves your home will flow into the septic tank where it needs to be separated. Solid waste will sink straight to the bottom, whereas grease will float to the top where it creates scum. The wastewater will simply leave the septic tank via the perforated pipes and enter the soil and drainfield. If you have never owned a home with a septic system, then you may have no clue about how to properly maintain one. Here are a few tips.

Do Not Overlook the Importance of Pumping Services

Every three to five years, you will need to have your septic tank pumped out. This timeframe will depend on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your home. It may be more frequent or less frequent. The best way to determine the timeframe for pumping for your system is by talking to a professional.

The reason septic tank pumping is so important is that it will keep the tank from becoming incredibly overloaded with solid waste, which can eventually lead to the tank cracking and the waste leaking directly into your soil. In addition, an overloaded tank can cause household sewage backups.

Conserve Your Water

You also need to keep a close eye on how much water you are using on a weekly basis. This is not only to reduce your home's carbon footprint, but it is also to prevent your septic system from being overwhelmed. If your tank has too much liquid coming into it, it is more at risk of cracks and leaks. If at all possible, you will want to keep from running all of your water-based appliances—washing machine, dishwasher, shower, etc.—at the same time each day.

Watch What You Flush

Keep in mind that anything that goes down your toilet will enter the septic system. Therefore, you will only want to flush toilet paper. Otherwise, you are placing stress on your septic system and potentially putting the tank at risk of clogging and creating plumbing issues. A few things you should avoid flushing include feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, paper towels, coffee grounds, and cat litter.

Mark Your Tank and Pipes

It is important to use some stakes to designate where your septic system components are in the yard to avoid planting or parking over them. If you plant over them, the roots may end up infiltrating the tank or pipes, resulting in unnecessary clogs. If you park over them, the soil can become compacted and result in the tank cracking.

For more information, contact a septic tank service in your area.