What Will Ruin a Septic Tank?

Experts like Septic Blue of Tampa suggest septic pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many people live in your house. If you wait too long, your system might fail, ruining your yard and damaging your foundation.

Regular septic cleaning also keeps your tank working the way it should. Don’t skip it!

Using Harsh Chemicals

Your septic tank depends on healthy bacteria to break down waste. But guess what kills that good bacteria? Strong cleaning products like bleach, drain cleaners, and antibacterial soaps.

When you pour those chemicals down the drain, you’re setting off a germ bomb inside your septic tank. Solids don’t break down without good bacteria; you could need septic service much sooner than expected.

Try using septic-safe or natural cleaning products instead. They do the job without hurting your system.

Parking or Building Over the Tank

You might think your yard is the perfect place to park a car or build a shed, but not if your septic tank or drain field is underneath. Heavy weight can crack the tank or pipes, leading to leaks, backups, or complete system failure.

If you’re unsure where your tank is, ask a septic company like Septic Blue of Tampa to help locate it. They’ll mark it for you so that you can protect it properly.

Using Too Much Water at Once

Your septic tank can only handle so much water at one time. Doing too many laundry loads in one day or taking long showers while the dishwasher is running can flood the tank.

When that happens, solids don’t get enough time to settle. They get pushed into the drain field, where they can clog everything up. To avoid this, spread out your water use throughout the week.

Consider high-efficiency toilets and washing machines. They help save water and protect your septic system in the long run.

Ignoring Drain Field Issues

The drain field is the part of your system that filters and cleans the liquid waste from your tank. If it gets clogged or flooded, your whole system can back up. Some signs of trouble include:

• Soggy grass or standing water in your yard
   
• Bad smells around the area
   
• Drains in your house are backing up or gurgling
   

Don’t wait if you notice these signs. Septic Blue of Tampa can inspect your system and recommend the best septic service before things worsen.

Time to Protect Your Septic Tank

Your septic system works hard daily, and it doesn’t require much in return—just a little attention and care. By avoiding bad habits and staying on top of maintenance like septic pumping and septic cleaning, you can keep it running for many years.

Need help figuring out when your tank was serviced? Want an expert to check your system? Septic Blue of Tampa is here to help. Contact a trusted septic company today and keep your home flowing smoothly!