There’s nothing with a do-it-yourself attitude, but you have to be careful that you don’t make things worse when you take matters into your own hands, especially when dealing with something as important as your septic tank. Even if you schedule routine septic tank inspections in San Francisco, your actions in between inspections will have the biggest impact on the overall performance and longevity of your septic system. Avoid these common maintenance mistakes to keep your septic tank in great shape.
Using Chemical Tank Additives
There are a lot of off-the-shelf products that claim to break up sludge and unclog drain fields, but most do more harm than good. As for the rest, they don’t do much of anything at all except cost money. Even some “harmless” biologically-based septic additives can interfere with the normal processes that go on inside the septic tank. Other than the manufacturers themselves, you won’t find a single credible source that recommends the use of septic system additives.
Forgetting to Schedule Septic Tank Pumping
Tank additives and treatments might not keep your tank healthy, but regular pumping sure will. Scheduling septic tank pumping every two or three years can dramatically increase the lifespan of your septic system. Tank pumping also allows a professional to check for and address any minor issues before they become major problems and require costly repairs.
Ignoring the Red Flags
Septic tanks aren’t designed to last forever, so you need to be on the lookout for any signs that your septic system is in need of service. If you notice slow-draining sinks or tubs, backed up toilets, or foul smells in your kitchen or bathroom, schedule a septic tank inspection with a professional in San Francisco as soon as possible. The longer you ignore the warning signs, the worse off your septic tank will be.