With the increase of high capacity appliances in the home these days, you could be hurting your septic system without even knowing. By the time that you realize the combined impact of all these appliances, you may be knee-deep in waste calling a septic professional for an emergency repair.
In our local area of Clermont FL we see two primary factors impacting the health septic systems, increase in unwanted solids and excessive water flow. While these can hurt the function and flow of the septic system, it can also affect the way the septic tank treats household waste.
Rather than allowing these appliances to overwhelm the septic system and lead to frequent maintenance repairs, our septic service team has developed a list of the top devices in your home that could be putting added strain on your septic tank or drain field and how you can reduce the problem.
5 Appliances That Could Be Hurting Your Septic System
Follow these simple tips to help avoid future septic tank problems:
1. The Hot Tub
The hot tub holds a significant amount of treated water, and although it does not pose an immediate threat to the septic system when in use, it does when you have to drain the tub. When that high volume of treated water is drained, it can overwhelm the septic tank. Those high discharges will disturb the solids in the septic tank and clog the drain field. It is best to drain with a hose to a safe area outside the septic system.
2. The Garbage Disposal
Although the garbage disposal is surely a convenience in the kitchen, it is not a friend to the septic tank. While keeping more waste material out of the trash and the landfills are admirable, the wrong materials in the garbage disposal will cause major issues with your septic system. An increase of grease, biomass, and solids, entering the septic tank cause the unit to fill up faster and require more frequent pumping at the least. The excess of grease could clog this delicate system and lead to major repairs being needed too.
3. The Toilet Bowl
Not only does the toilet bowl account for the most water use in the entire house, 30% in the average household, but improper use can also cause problems for the septic system. Excess water flowing into the septic tank can disrupt the balance, so switching to a low flow toilet system can cut down water usage in half or more. Be sure to watch the items tossed in the toilet because things like paper towels, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, gum, and baby wipes can quickly clog the tank and require a pumping and cleaning.
4. The Washing Machine
Perhaps the number one appliance for leading to the most septic tank system fails is the washing machine. It doesn’t matter if you have an energy-efficient model that uses less water, it is the buildup of lint that makes its way to the septic tank that can cause the system to fail. Part of the reason for the lint building up so quickly is the frequency in which washing is done in the house. By spreading out the washing loads over a few days, you lessen the likelihood that a buildup of lint will clog the septic tank.
5. The Dishwasher
Like the washing machine, newer dishwashers run more efficiently and use a lot less water, a good thing for the septic tank system. That being said, the detergent used in the dishwasher is often the cause of problems in the septic tank. That diluted detergent can be a threat to the bacteria in the septic tank. Look for eco-friendly dishwasher detergents, and then pay very close attention to when you are washing the dishes. If you hit the dishwasher button, then wash clothes, take a shower, all within the same hour, the septic tank will get overwhelmed. Be sure to use the dishwasher in the middle of the night when you are not using water with other appliances. This will spread out the flow to the tank and allow it to work more efficiently.
While new systems were designed to handle increased water demands, many older homes and septic tanks in Florida were not designed to handle the demands put on them from modern appliances. These tips should help you to avoid costly maintenance issues. Keep your system running as efficiently as possible by having the Clermont FL septic professionals inspect and pump the tank inspect the tank every 1-3 years.