A high-quality and well-maintained septic system has many benefits to you as a homeowner, even though there are costs that go into caring for it. However, your septic system cost does not have to empty your wallet. Instead of being in the dark about your septic system needs, follow a few simple tips that can lead you to saving money on septic needs down the road.
Tips for Saving Money on Septic Systems Video
Tips for Saving Money on Septic Services
1. Get On a Schedule
Don’t wait for a problem to get your septic system serviced. Get it serviced regularly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, you should have your septic tank pumped and serviced every three to five years.
If you aren’t sure when you should get your next septic system check-up, contact your septic system company with any questions. The benefit of having a reliable and consistent septic company is that you can get on a regular schedule with your septic system pumps and services.
It will also help you to keep a record of any repairs or services you may need. Why? It will help you on saving money on septic services down the road to have a history of your septic’s health.
2. Pay Attention to Signs of Trouble
If you have not kept records or been on a regular schedule with your septic services, or are moving into a new home and don’t know the septic system’s condition, pay attention to signs of trouble.
Foul smells coming from inside or outside the house, often smelling like rotten eggs, can be a sign that there is a problem with your septic system. Also, look out for sewage backing up into the house or out of the leach field. If you notice any of these warning signs, you should contact your septic company immediately. Do not wait for more significant, more costly problems to occur.
3. Keep Your Septic System Clear
Keep plants, trees, shrubs, or buildings away from your septic system. Do not build over your septic tank. The weight can cause cracks and make your tank inaccessible to septic professionals. Trees and shrubs should not be planted on or near your septic tank or system overall since the roots can get into the pipes, causing blockages.
4. Make Sure Your Septic Tank Cover has Easy Access
Suppose your septic tank hole cover is not accessible or buried. In that case, it will require extra time and tools for septic professionals to find and access your septic tank when pumping or servicing it.
It might be worth it to invest in installing a riser or extension of your septic tank. If your septic tanks cover is hard to access, the cost of installing a riser or extension will be worth the savings of any future visits from your septic company.
5. Consider What Goes Down the Drain
One of the easiest things you can do that can lead to huge savings is to be mindful of what you put down the drain.
Only flush toilet paper. Do not flush feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, hairballs, or even “flushable” wipes. Also, avoid pouring grease down your drain and use your garbage disposal sparingly. All of these things can cause a buildup of solid waste in your septic tank that the healthy bacteria cannot break down, causing sewage backups and clogs in your pipes.
Be cautious about the cleaning supplies you pour down your drain. Check the label of any cleaning products. Many of them will tell you if they are septic safe.
6. When in Doubt Call a Professional
Have a professional clear any clogs instead of using harsh chemicals. It may seem easier and cheaper to do it yourself using a store-bought chemical, but it will most likely cost you more money. Chemicals rarely work very well, requiring a professional to come anyway. Also, harsh chemicals can weaken your pipes and cause a bacterial imbalance in your septic tank. All of these would be costly repairs.
Saving money on septic services sometimes means calling the professionals in the first place and not handling repairs yourself.
7. Conserve Water
Like you don’t want to flush certain items, you also don’t want to flood your system with too much water. Too much water at one time does not allow enough time for separation between liquids and solids. This causes sewage water to back up into your home or out onto the leach field.
Keep the balance of bacteria, solids, and liquids in your tank. The more you conserve your water, the less often you will need to service your septic system.
The best thing you can do for saving money on septic services is maintenance. Keeping your system functioning saves on costly repairs. Call Advanced Septic Services at (352) 242-6100 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We happily provide Lake County and Central Florida with septic services!