Your Personal DIY Septic Tank Maintenance Checklist

22 September 2020
 Categories: , Blog


If you live in an area that doesn't allow you to take advantage of city services, you most likely have a septic system installed in your home to take care of your waste. Though these can be a lifesaver most of the time, largely operating out of sight, there are still several things that you should do every year to make sure it's operating efficiently. That's why we put together this quick DIY guide to septic tank maintenance. Checking these items off your list every year will go a long way to ensuring that your septic system - and your home - are in tip-top shape. 

Have it Pumped Regularly

Without a doubt, one of the best things that you can do for your home's septic system is to have it pumped regularly. This is definitely not something that you should try to attempt on your own, however, since pumping a septic tank requires experience and specialized equipment. What you can do as a homeowner is schedule regular septic tank maintenance services which includes having your tank pumped and cleaned whenever your specific situation needs it. Failure to at least pump your system will eventually result in total pump failure.

Watch What You Drain

No matter if you have a septic system or not, there are certain things you should never put down a drain, like coffee grounds or grease. If you do have a septic system, this rule applies even more so, since you need to do your best to keep excessive paper and food debris out of the drain. Since your septic system is essentially a big holding cell for all of your home's waste, if you flush larger objects down the drain it'll cause the tank to fill up quickly Watching what you put down the drain is great form regular septic tank maintenance that can pay off for years to come.

Protect Your Drainfield

If you've never heard of a drain field before, it's the area next to your septic tank where contaminants from the septic tank leach out of the tank. It's not technically a part of the septic tank, but it still needs to be maintained in order for the septic tank to function properly. The septic tank maintenance here is very simple: Don't part on it, plant trees in it, or allow rainwater from the roof to collect on it, and you should be fine. 


Share