You’ve just purchased your new lakeside home and it comes with a septic tank… but you have never dealt with one before. You’re in luck because today’s post is about to uncover the truth about lakeside septic systems!
- Septic Tank Repairs VS Septic Tank Maintenance:
Why fix what’s not broken? Well it’s time to rethink that old habit when it comes to your septic tank… Avoiding regular maintenance can lead to some costly repairs. Your tank only needs to be pumped once every 3-5 years but you should always schedule a yearly inspection. A septic inspection reveals any small issues before they require a costly fix. You will also rest safe knowing your septic system is functioning properly.
- Septic Tank Pumping:
Based on your average household use, your septic tank may reach operating level in just 4 short days! Make sure to measure the level of solids in the tank to determine if the tank needs pumping. If you aren’t sure, have a septic professional visit to check the solid level for you. Even if it’s not time to pump, you should still schedule a yearly septic inspection to avoid any future costly repairs.
- Building Over a Septic Tank:
Do not ever build over a septic system! Building above the system can make it quite difficult to access the tank for pumping. It can also make it difficult to deal with emergencies and maintenance. Additionally, building above a drain field can cause your field to fail. The field needs oxygen going into the ground. Without this oxygen, the field can’t treat the wastewater from the tank. You can drive over a system though, but make sure the components are rated as “H20”.
- How Long Will My Septic System Last?
The average septic tank system will last anywhere between 20 to 40 years. Keeping up with regular maintenance and inspections will increase the lifespan of your system significantly. Continuous innovation means new systems are being designed to last longer. However, the best way to ensure longevity is to treat your tank right by looking after it.
- Pumping Your Septic Tank:
Pumping your septic tank is important to keep your system running smoothly and increase the lifespan of your system. Pumping your system every 3 to 5 years helps to prevent costly blockage and keep your tank in good condition. However, many septic system failures happen in the drain field and not the tank. Septic tanks are designed to be a reservoir, holding 4 or 5 days’ worth of water use. The tank is there to help solid waste settle out of the liquid. Then, only the liquid travels to the drain field. If solids do happen to make it to the drain field, they cause blockage. Pumping maintenance is designed to prevent this from happening in the first place. If your drain field is in trouble, a septic expert can evaluate the situation and determine the next steps.
I hope today’s blog post gave you all the information you needed to deal with your new lakefront home’s septic system. It is important, just like most things in your home, to keep up with the maintenance so there are no future costly repairs!
Posted by Scott Freerksen “The Lake Guy”