Eco-Friendly Practices for Septic Tank Owners | Billy.com

You’re already using a method of waste disposal and recycling that employs nature more than technology if your home has a septic system. Septic tanks take on the various waste generated by a home’s plumbing system—excrement, toilet paper, and the like—processes it, separating the water and sewage. A basic and convenient process that ultimately helps protect the environment. Still, homeowners need to ensure their septic tanks are doing their duty without hurting the local ecosystem. Here are a few eco-friendly practices for septic tank owners to keep in mind to extend your tank’s life and protect the area around your home.

Periodic Maintenance

We’ve previously covered why you should have a septic tank, now let’s address how to take care of it. Scheduling periodic maintenance and cleaning of your tank will help it last longer while operating in a greener way. Have the system inspected by a technician every three years to start. The tech can identify little problems with the system before they become big ones. Second, have the tank pumped out at around the same time, though the technician may advise doing it sooner or later. Overlooking regular maintenance and pumping can be dangerous, for you, your home, and the ecosystem. An overflowing or poorly operating system leads to a greater chance of environmental contamination.

Think Before You Flush or Drain

Septic tanks should contain only four yucky things: feces, urine, toilet paper, and wastewater. Never flush or pour chemicals down the toilet or the drains to keep your septic system eco-safe. Doing so kills the helpful microorganisms in your tank—the ones that tirelessly break down all that sludge—and risks releasing the chemicals into the groundwater, contaminating your water supply. Never flush non-biodegradable items either. Cloths, prophylactics, swabs, cotton balls, hygiene products, and the like will never break down in the tank. These items can damage the device and lead to contamination.

Protect the Drain Field!

While the tank is the most immediately identifiable part of the septic system, it also includes a series of pipes known as the drain field. The drain field also sits below your lawn’s surface. However, out of sight shouldn’t equal out of mind. Protect your drain field from infiltration by roots by not planting trees or bushes above or nearand it. Their root systems can break in and crack the pipes. Don’t dig above the field—you might hit the system with your tools or equipment. Don’t park your vehicles or place heavy things above the drain field—such as sheds or heavy equipment. Finally, divert rain and other water from drainpipes and the like away from the drain field. Too much water overloads the system. In general, watch your water use. Sending too much water your septic tank’s way wastes natural resources and overtaxes the system.

Going Green

Keep things eco-sensitive regarding your septic tank. Doing so will allow your septic system to reward you and the environment in more ways than one. You can save money while saving Mother Earth at the same time by following these eco-friendly practices for septic tank owners!