Because there are so many maintenance responsibilities to stay on top of when you’re a homeowner, some of those duties may accidently slip your mind and go neglected far longer than you intended. Septic systems are one of those household utilities that are often out of sight and out of mind, even though they’re constantly being used day and night.

Basically anything in your home that is connected to the plumbing system is regularly discharging wastewater into your septic system, and when it isn’t properly being maintained, it can lead to a major problem. A lot of flood cleanup and restoration services are needed due to septic system breakdowns or backups. Below are some handy tips on preventing septic problems and what to do if you ever do end up having to deal with a messy flood.

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Neglecting Maintenance of Certain Household Appliances

You may not realize it, but day-to-day use of certain household appliances can have a significant impact on the performance of your septic system.

• Washing machines are a necessity, but they frequently cause the deterioration of septic tanks because of clogging from lint and powder detergents. These substances tend to accumulate in the soil and plug up the drain field. Septic tanks may also flood when washing machines are used over and over in the same day. Using only liquid detergent, spreading out your loads of laundry to different days and getting a reusable inline filter can help you stay out of a predicament.
• Many things go down the garbage disposal every day without a second thought, but all that grease and solid food just builds up in the septic system and increases your chances of complications. Eliminating the use of your garbage disposal as much as possible is best practice.
• Hot tubs are great for providing fun and relaxation, however, allowing all of that water to be drained straight into the septic system is asking for trouble. Cool the water in your hot tub before depleting it onto an area of your property that won’t affect the system and lead to flooding.

Actions to Avoid in Septic Tank Use

There are several other actions you want to avoid as a homeowner as well when it comes to your septic system or you could be facing some serious consequences. Refrain from using water softeners that agitate solids in the system. Don’t flush trash or chemicals down the toilet. Plant trees and shrubs far enough away from the system that their roots won’t cause a blockage. Address plumbing problems right away instead of putting them off to keep from flooding the system with large amounts of water, and don’t forgo annual inspections.

Managing the Aftermath of a Flood

In the event that your septic system does fail you, it’s critical to turn to a professional flood cleanup and restoration service for help. Trying to manage the aftermath of a flood on your own, especially when it involves wastewater, is never a good idea. The contaminated water must cautiously and thoroughly be disposed of by someone who is trained in this particular field otherwise you risk suffering from health hazards. If it’s safe to do so, open doors and windows, turn off the water and electrical power and promptly call in the experts.

Hopefully, you’ll be able to prevent a huge septic system headache by suitably keeping it maintained, but if you aren’t so lucky, make certain your flood cleanup and restoration is handled by someone who is knowledgeable and experienced.