Septic Tank Issues Stink: Surprising Ways You Could Be Damaging Your System

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If your home runs on septic instead of sewer, it is your responsibility to learn all the different ways you can cause problems within the system. By making some minor adjustments to the way you -- and others residing in the residence -- do things, you can prolong your septic system's health. Some of the things you don't want to do can be obvious, such as flushing the wrong items down the toilet, but others may be surprising to you. Here are some examples of those surprising things that are damaging to septic systems:

• Additives intended specifically for septic systems can actually cause septic issues – Don't get taken by those additives you see in the hardware store or in another store that claim to be just what you need to keep your septic system healthy. While they may claim to increase the bacteria in the system, they can also cause it harm. Instead of guessing how the bacteria is in your system and randomly putting stuff in it you shouldn't, have it professionally checked so you know exactly what your septic system needs.
• Those wonderful-smelling bath oils won't be as wonderful to your septic system – When you see those bath oils guaranteeing to give you smoother skin while producing wonderful aromas, you'll want to think twice. There are other ways to get smoother, better-smelling skin without causing issues with your septic tank. The oils will float right on the surface in the tank and lead to the development of scum. It can also end up clogging your drain field.
• Medications should enter your body, not your septic system – It may seem like an easy way to get rid of your old medication is to pour it down the sink or simply flush it; however, you don't want to do this. Those medications can be very bad for the system. If you take very harsh medications or you are undergoing chemotherapy, then you might want to set your system up for more frequent pumping, because these chemicals can pass through your own system and still negatively affect the septic system.
• Watch where heavy equipment is put – Mark off the area where your septic tank is under the ground in your yard and make sure it is not used for parking any vehicles or other types of machinery that will put a lot of weight in that spot.
• Too much water that enters the system quickly can be bad – Allowing too much water to go into the system at one time can leave you dealing with a flooding septic system.

These are just some of the surprising ways you can cause issues for your septic system. It's always a good idea to talk to a professional if you have any other concerns about what you should and should not be doing. For more information, you can visit sites like http://www.southernsanitarysystems.com.

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27 June 2018