If your home has a septic system, you know how essential it is to your day-to-day. What you might not know is that almost everything you put down your drain has an effect on it. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Not quite. Septic problems can pop up when you least expect them, wrecking your daily routine and causing slow drains or foul-smelling, hazardous lawn puddles. However, some of the most common issues are avoidable.

Ultimately, septic systems are designed to handle human waste. But we regularly force them to process other things. If those things aren’t biodegradable, there’s a good chance they’ll cause septic tank problems — maybe not immediately, but definitely down the road. Read on to learn about typical septic problems and how you can avoid them.

Septic System Clogs

If even one part of the septic system clogs, it can impact everything. Typically, this happens when people try to flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet. This includes so-called “flushable” wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, condoms and more. However, clogs can also be caused by draining excessive kitchen waste, like grease and oil, or using too much laundry detergent, especially laundry soap powder. Even those long, soapy showers can contribute to problems with septic clogging.

How Can I Avoid Clogs?

First of all, only flush biological waste and septic-safe toilet paper. Any other items should be thrown in the trash to prevent clogging. Throw away food scraps in the kitchen as well, and never put grease or oil down the drain. Finally, stick to liquid soaps in your washing machine and dishwasher since they’re much less likely to cause septic problems.

Extra Water in the Septic Tank

Believe it or not, having too much water in your septic tank can cause problems too. If the tank fills up quicker than it should, the solid waste inside of it won’t break down properly, causing it to back up. This is often the result of using a lot of water on a single day — too much laundry, too many showers — a problem that affects larger families in particular.

How Can I Avoid Excess Water?

It might seem obvious, but try to use less water all at once! Instead of doing all of your laundry on one day, spread it throughout the week. When everyone in the house is getting ready, try not to shower one after another. If you’re still having septic problems, it might be worth it to install a low-flow shower head and toilet.

Septic Tank Leaks

Leaks are perhaps some of the worst, and most common, septic tank problems. They are often the end result of the other issues mentioned — if untreated, clogs and excess water can lead to leaks in the septic systems. Wastewater and even raw sewage can then seep into your yard, which is both disgusting and dangerous.

How Can I Avoid a Leak?

In addition to the tips for clogs and excessive water usage, proper septic tank maintenance is crucial to avoiding problems. It’s better to catch these issues before they spiral into something worse. The first step is regular septic tank pumping and then contacting your technician immediately when you spot a problem. And if you’re in the South Florida area, this is where Moon Site & Septic comes in.

Still Having Problems with your Septic Tank? Call Us!

As one of the leading providers of septic tank pumping services in South Florida, Moon Site & Septic is here to help. We are state-certified and have the experience to deal with all of your septic problems safely and effectively. If you’re in the Naples, Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, or Lehigh Acres, Florida area, contact us today!