In areas that do not offer a municipal sewage system, homeowners use a septic tank to handle graywater and waste. To keep your septic system operating efficiently, you must follow maintenance guidelines.  Reader Plumbing & Septic in Kaukauna, WI, has been installing and repairing septic systems for over 40 years, and they will share advice to help your tank operate efficiently.

4 Important Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

Flush Only Acceptable Items

Don't flush nonbiodegradable items into your septic tank; they never break down and will take up space, accelerating the need for pumping out the system. Throw items like wet wipes, diapers, and feminine hygiene products in the trash and flush only toilet paper and human waste.

Don't Flush Chemicals or Bleach

Never pour bleach, cleansers, gasoline, kerosene, or any other chemicals into your plumbing system. Your septic tank depends on beneficial bacteria to break down solid waste, and chemicals can destroy your system's ecology.

Limit Water Usage

Excessive water also can upset your tank's biological balance. To keep your septic tank operating efficiently and reduce the need for pumping, limit water usage when possible. Don't let faucets run, take short showers, and wash laundry using the lowest water setting.

Schedule Regular Septic Tank Pumping

To prevent messy backups and overflows, schedule timely septic tank pumping. Households with one or two people and light usage require pumping at least once every five years, while homes with five or more people should have service every two years.

Reader Plumbing & Septic, the premier septic tank sales and service company in Outagamie County, will help you maintain an effective system. They also offer high-quality residential plumbing repairs and products from top brands. Visit their website for more information about their services and call (920) 788-2527 to schedule an appointment for septic system maintenance.