You have probably heard that septic pump-outs should be performed every one to three years. Have you ever wondered why there is such a wide range involved? Here are a few tips that will help you get closer to the 3-year range while preserving the health of your septic system:

• Watch What You Flush. Nothing should go into your home’s toilets besides human waste and toilet paper. You should never flush cigarette butts, sanitary products, disposable diapers, facial tissue, paper towels or other non-biodegradable products. Not only can these items result in more septic pump-outs, but they can harm your septic tank.
• Don’t Overwhelm the System. Too much water at one time or continuously in the case of a leak can be just as damaging to the septic system as flushing the wrong things. Space out water usage, such as spreading laundry loads throughout the week, and be attentive to leaky toilets and faucets.

As a side note, some people think that adding additives that contain biological enzymes will reduce the number of septic pump-outs they need over time. The reality is that they are not highly effective, so they won’t make a huge difference. Don’t delay the pump-out process because you think enzymes have allowed you to do so or you could end up with a clogged drain field or a septic backup.

If you have questions about the right frequency for septic pump-outs for your home, give us a call at American Waste Septic. We’ll be happy to inspect your home’s septic tank and system to provide you with a recommendation and information about the current health of your system.