It pays to look after your septic tank. If not properly maintained, the necessary bacteria can die, causing the biological process to shut down. If this happens, sludge accumulates and travels to the drain field where it clogs the entire system. Before you know it, you’ve got a major headache in the form of a sewage backup.
It’s important to know the location of your septic tank, so that it can be both pumped and inspected, and so that you can avoid driving over the drain field and the actual tank, or using heavy equipment on them, or doing other work that could damage the system. If you can’t find its location, you may be able to get records from your town or city. Alternatively, hire a septic contractor who can locate it by probing the soil with a long metal rod or using an electronic detector.
When you have located the tank, draw a map showing its position, and keep the map somewhere safe for future reference. It also helps to mark the location with a stone or stake that isn’t likely to be removed. Have your septic tank inspected by a professional every 3 to 5 years – more often if your household uses a garbage disposal and/or a lot of water. You can further reduce the strain on your system by staggering showers, bathing, clothes washing, and other heavy usage.
At Southeastern Septic LLC in Lakeland, FL, we offer top-quality residential and commercial septic services, including tank pumping and repair, new installations, sump pump replacement, green swamp inspections, real estate inspections, drain cleaning, and much more. Please contact us today for more information.