Whenever you live in a home with a septic system, you need to keep in mind specific rules and guidelines for use of the septic system. Improper use will leave your tank clogged, your drain lines damaged, and result in your having to pay for repairs to the system. Here are some recommendations to help you maintain and keep up the condition of your septic system.

Keep a Record of Your System

As a homeowner, you will want to keep a good record of your septic system and all that happens to it. This is so you have records of when it gets pumped, inspected, or repaired if damage occurs in the system. This is also helpful if you plan to sell your home, as you will need to provide details and records of your home septic system to the buyer. If you need to hire a professional inspection to your system, keep this report for anytime you decide to put your home on the market in the future.

Keeping good records will help you if you do have an issue with your system and need to hire the services of a septic professional. They will need to know when your tank was last serviced, if any electrical components have recently been replaced, or if the septic drain field lines have been repaired or replaced recently. Keeping a record of your septic system also includes having a detailed map of where the tank and drain field are located, so you can access them in the future.

Protect Your System

You should plan to have your septic tank pumped every three to five years, based on its needs. This will remove the buildup of solid waste and scum that collects in the tank. However, if you don't protect your septic system with proper use, you will need to have it serviced sooner than normal because you can cause damage and clogs in the system. For example, if you flush trash and other non-septic waste, you will end up clogging your tank line and the drain field lines, resulting in serious damage that will need to be dug up and repaired. 

To keep your system working properly between its pumpings, be sure you only use septic-safe toilet tissue in your household and don't flush anything else into the toilet. The tank will collect any non-biodegradable waste and it will not break down, and it will eventually flow into the outlet pipe and clog it up. Then, when your septic professional comes to service your system, the trash and non-safe waste in your system will be an indication of its problems.

For more information about septic tank pumping and maintenance, contact a local septic service.