Most homes in America have septic systems. These systems are what take waste away from the home and store it in a large drum-like tank underneath the ground. Unfortunately, septic systems can experience problems every now and then, and they may either need to be cleaned, repaired or fully replaced. If a septic system isn’t properly maintained, you’re looking at a possible flood in your backyard and thousands of dollars to get it cleaned up.

Keep Heavy Things Away from the Septic Area
Your septic tank makes the ground above and around it weaker. Because of this, it’s crucial that you keep heavy objects and items away from the septic tank area. This includes cars, trees and larger shrubs and sheds. Try to keep the area where the tank is located as free as possible not only to keep the ground protected, but to also make it easy if the tank needs to be accessed.

Have It Emptied Once or Twice a Year
Depending on the size of your family, you’ll need to have the septic tank professionally emptied once or twice a year. This prevents the tank from overflowing into the leech field on your property and causing a flood. Professionals can bring in their tanks and have the system emptied within a matter of one or two hours.

Use a Septic System Cleaner
It’s important that you use a septic system cleansing product to keep good bacteria thriving so that it’s able to break down the waste inside of the tank. These products are incredibly inexpensive and can save you thousands of dollars in terms of septic tank cleaning and repair.

Use Septic-Safe Products
You need to make sure that if you have a septic system that you’re only using products that can be flushed. This means septic-safe toilet paper and only septic-safe soaps and cleaning products. If you fail to do this, you might fill the tank faster than it should be filling, which can cause a flood in the leech field of your yard.

Look for Problems
It is your job as a homeowner to keep an eye out for problems involving the septic system. This means that if you notice any water in your leech field that you contact a waste control company right away. The same thing goes for sewage backup in the house itself that could mean there’s a problem with the tank.

There are many companies able to help with your septic tank problems, but using these methods will help you to maintain your tank and ensure that it lasts for many decades before it is going to have to be replaced.