Owning a septic tank can be a big adjustment for homeowners who are used to city water treatment. There are a lot of different aspects of septic use that require some getting used to. Unfortunately, improper septic care can lead to some significant messes in your backyard or home.

Here are a few of the primary Dos and Don’ts of owning a septic tank.

Do Pump and Inspect Your Tank Regularly

A septic tank should be pumped and inspected every few years. Regularly pumping will keep your tank’s pH balanced and will prevent wastewater from backing into your yard. Inspections will ensure your system is working properly. You can get your pumping done by calling one of the septic tank pumping services Fort Worth has to offer.

Don’t Pour Chemicals Down the Drain

Septic tanks house their own ecosystems of bacteria that break down waste. Pouring chemicals such as drain cleaner or large amounts of bleach down your drain can kill off the organisms that keep your system functioning. If your drain is clogged, use a drain snake, boiling water, or call a professional.

Do Flush Only Toilet Paper

The only things that should get sent to your septic tank are septic-friendly toilet paper and waste. Unfortunately, feminine hygiene products, wipes, and other items that claim to be flushable are generally not septic-safe, so it’s best to toss them in a trash can instead.

Don’t Waste Water

Try to conserve water where you can and spread out your water use elsewhere. For example, you can switch your toilets to high-efficiency ones that can cut back on up to fifty percent of your water use. It’s also a good idea to spread your laundry out over the week so you can to avoid sending large amounts of water and soap into your tank at once.

Owning a septic tank can take some getting used to, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Proper system maintenance can keep your system running smoothly for years to come and keep you from dealing with some huge messes.