Septic System Care Tips After an Inspection

A septic system inspection is essential for ensuring your system is functioning properly, but the work doesn’t stop there. After the inspection, ongoing care is crucial to avoid future problems and costly repairs. At 1st Choice Inspection Services TREC#9175, we provide septic system inspections and offer expert advice on how to maintain your system long after the inspection is complete.

Here’s how to keep your septic system running smoothly and avoid potential issues down the road.

Why Get a Home Inspection Before Buying?

Understand the Results of Your Septic System Inspection

After your septic system inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the condition of the system. This will include any issues that need immediate attention, as well as recommendations for future maintenance. It’s important to carefully review the report and fully understand what was found.

If your inspector recommended repairs or maintenance, make sure to address them as soon as possible. Delaying these fixes can lead to more significant problems over time, such as leaks, blockages, or system failure.

Limit Water Usage to Prevent Overloading the System

One of the key factors in maintaining a septic system is controlling how much water flows through it. Septic systems can be easily overwhelmed if too much water is used in a short period of time, causing the system to malfunction.

How to Limit Water Usage:

Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Consider upgrading to low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads to reduce water usage.
Spread Out Laundry Loads: Instead of doing multiple loads of laundry in one day, spread them out over the week. This prevents excess water from flooding the system at once.
Fix Leaks Immediately: A dripping faucet or leaky toilet can contribute gallons of unnecessary water into your septic system. Fix leaks as soon as they’re discovered.

By being mindful of water usage, you can help prevent overloading your septic system and avoid potential backups or slow drainage.

Watch What You Flush and Pour Down Drains

What goes down your drains has a direct impact on your septic system’s health. Septic systems rely on naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste, so introducing harmful substances can disrupt this balance and lead to clogs or system failure.

What Not to Flush or Pour:

Non-Biodegradable Items: Never flush items like wipes, diapers, feminine hygiene products, or paper towels down the toilet. These materials don’t break down in the septic system and can cause blockages.
Harsh Chemicals: Avoid pouring harsh cleaning chemicals, bleach, or paint down your drains. These substances can kill the beneficial bacteria that help break down waste in the septic tank.
Grease and Oils: Fats, oils, and grease can solidify in your pipes and septic tank, leading to clogs. Dispose of these items in the trash instead of washing them down the sink.

Sticking to septic-safe products and disposing of waste properly will keep your system functioning smoothly and extend its lifespan.

Schedule Regular Pumping and Maintenance

Even if your septic system appears to be working well, it still requires regular pumping to remove solids that accumulate in the tank over time. If the tank becomes too full, solids can flow into the drain field, leading to system failure and costly repairs.

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

Every 3 to 5 Years: On average, septic systems should be pumped every three to five years, depending on the size of the tank and the number of people in the household.
Check Inspection Report Recommendations: Your inspector will provide guidance on how often your system needs to be pumped based on its current condition and usage.

In addition to pumping, routine inspections and maintenance are critical to catching problems early and keeping your septic system running efficiently.

A well-maintained septic drain field with markers showing areas to avoid parking or planting near.

Protect the Drain Field

The drain field is a vital part of your septic system, responsible for filtering and dispersing wastewater after it leaves the septic tank. Keeping the drain field in good condition is essential for preventing backups and overflows.

Tips for Drain Field Care:

Don’t Park Vehicles on the Drain Field: Heavy vehicles can compact the soil, reducing the field’s ability to filter wastewater effectively.
Avoid Planting Trees or Shrubs Nearby: Roots can grow into the drain field and cause blockages or damage the pipes.
Divert Rainwater Away: Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct rainwater away from the drain field. Too much water can saturate the soil and interfere with the septic system’s ability to filter wastewater.

By taking these steps, you can protect your drain field from damage and ensure that your septic system continues to function properly.

Be Mindful of What Goes Into the Septic Tank

Your septic system relies on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down waste. To keep it functioning efficiently, you need to be mindful of what goes into the system.

Septic-Safe Practices:

Use Septic-Safe Toilet Paper: Look for toilet paper labeled as septic-safe, as it breaks down more easily and helps prevent clogs.
Limit Use of Garbage Disposals: While garbage disposals are convenient, they can add unnecessary solids to the septic tank. Try to compost food scraps instead of sending them down the disposal.
Use Bacterial Additives Only If Recommended: Some homeowners use bacterial additives to help boost the septic tank’s bacteria levels. However, this is typically unnecessary if the system is functioning well, and should only be used if recommended by your inspector.

By following these simple practices, you can help maintain the health of your septic system and avoid potential problems.

Monitor the System for Warning Signs

Standing water near a drain field, showing a potential warning sign of septic system trouble.

Even with regular maintenance, issues can arise with your septic system. It’s important to stay alert for warning signs that could indicate a problem.

Signs of Septic System Trouble:

Slow Drains: If sinks, showers, or toilets are draining slowly, it could be a sign that your septic system is overloaded or blocked.
Sewage Backup: Foul odors or sewage backing up into your home are major red flags that the system is failing or the tank is full.
Standing Water or Lush Grass: Puddles of water or unusually green grass around the drain field could indicate that wastewater is leaking or not properly filtering through the soil.

If you notice any of these signs, contact a professional immediately to inspect and repair the system before the problem worsens.

Conclusion: Keep Your Septic System Healthy
Post-Inspection

Caring for your septic system after an inspection is essential for ensuring its longevity and preventing future problems. By limiting water usage, being mindful of what goes down the drains, scheduling regular pumping, and protecting the drain field, you can keep your system running smoothly for years to come.

At 1st Choice Inspection Services TREC#9175, we provide thorough septic system inspections and offer expert advice on maintaining your system. If you need an inspection or have concerns about your septic system, contact us today for trusted, professional service.

FAQs

Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, pouring harsh chemicals or grease down the drain, and using septic systems to dispose of food waste. Stick to septic-safe products to keep your system healthy.

Commonly overlooked areas include the attic, crawl spaces, and exterior grading. These areas can reveal issues with moisture, insulation, or structural integrity that may not be visible elsewhere.

Common signs include slow drains, sewage backup, foul odors, standing water around the drain field, or unusually green grass in the area.

No, parking on the drain field can compact the soil and damage the pipes, preventing proper filtration of wastewater.

Most septic systems don’t need bacterial additives unless recommended by your inspector. A properly maintained system should have enough natural bacteria to function effectively.