Septic Tank Care Tips for Condos and Apartment Buildings

Know the Location of Your Septic Tank

Good septic tank care for condominiums and apartment buildings starts with knowing where it’s located. This is important, as it helps to avoid accidental damage during any digging projects you might undertake around your home. You can also avoid driving vehicles or heavy machinery over the septic tank when you know its exact location. Furthermore, septic tanks require periodic pumping and septic tank cleaning to remove accumulated waste and scum. Knowing the location allows a septic professional to access the tank quickly and efficiently for scheduled maintenance.

• Consult existing records, such as property deeds or county health department records
• Rely on visual clues like septic risers
• Call a nearby septic company to help you pinpoint your septic tank’s location accurately

Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Routinely

Septic tank pumping is an integral part of routine septic maintenance. If your septic tank isn’t emptied as needed, the sludge at the bottom of the tank will build up to a level where it will compromise the functioning of the system. Moreover, an excessive level of sludge in a septic tank can lead to contamination.

Septic pumping is needed when the level of sludge reaches around one-third of the tank’s height. If you’re not sure if your septic tank needs to be emptied, schedule an inspection with a professional septic company.

Recognize Signs of Trouble and Schedule Septic Tank Repair As Soon As Possible

Just like ignoring your car’s check engine, neglecting warning signs of septic tank trouble can lead to septic failure. For instance, addressing a minor clog inside your septic tank could cost around $200. If left unaddressed, sewage backup and potential water damage in your home could cost you upwards of $1,000. Call a trusted septic company when you see these signs:

• Foul odors around your drain field
• Sewage backup into your drains
• Overflows from your septic tank
• Slow drains in your sinks, showers, or toilets
• Pooling water near the septic tank or drain field

Use Septic Safe Products

Chemical-based cleaning products are known to cause a lot of harm to septic systems. Apart from killing good bacteria in septic tanks, harsh cleaning products can corrode septic pipes and cause leaks. In order to avoid disrupting your septic system’s balance, opt for natural cleaning solutions such as hand soaps, dish soaps, baking soda, vinegar, and enzyme-based cleaners. It’s also advisable to be mindful of what you flush down your toilet. Non-flushable items such as wet wipes, feminine hygiene products, diapers, condoms, and medications can harm your septic system.

Frequent Inspection and Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is key to avoiding unwelcome septic surprises. The last thing you want is septic issues catching you by surprise. That’s why you should have your septic system inspected at least once every three years. It allows a professional to identify any minor issues before they snowball into major problems. Early detection of clogs, leaks, or failing components can save you money on repairs down the road.

The Golden Rule of Septic Tank Care: Choose a Professional Septic Company

The tips we’ve outlined in this article on how to care for your septic tank are useful for keeping your septic system in tip-top shape. It’s also advisable to enlist the help of trusted septic technicians, who can guide your maintenance plan and provide professional guidance. Whether you’re in need of septic tank installation or repairs, Septic Blue of Charlotte is the team you can trust to do a great job.