Your septic system is one of the most important systems operating on your property, yet it’s probably the one you know the least about. Since septic tanks are considered dirty and smelly, most homeowners are happy to ignore the system altogether until there’s a problem. This isn’t a good approach though, and it will wind up costing you more money in the long run. It’s good to educate yourself about your septic system, and you can do that by getting the truth on some septic tank myths that are widely held. Let’s look at some of these myths.

1. Pumping the Tank Isn’t Necessary

This is a very harmful myth because the truth is that, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a household septic tank is typically pumped out once every three to five years. This is a far cry from never. If you never have the tank pumped out, sludge will build up and will start to damage the tank over time. You need to connect with a qualified septic company in your area to get regular pumping.

2. You Can Flush Anything Down a Drain

This myth comes from the fact that in some areas in which municipal sewer systems are used, there are strict rules about what can and can’t be flushed. The idea is that if you aren’t on a sewer system and have your own tank on your property, you can then flush anything you want. This is not the case. You need to be very careful of what you flush down the toilets and what you allow to move down the drains. You should only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. You should not put poisons, harsh disinfectants, or solvents, as these will kill off the necessary microbes that are in your septic tank breaking down solid waste. This can actually lead to system failure and that can get very expensive.

3. Septic Tanks Don’t Last Long

This myth has gotten a lot of traction because many homeowners experience septic tank failure. However, it’s important to note that most septic tank failure is a result of poor maintenance. So, if you don’t maintain a septic system properly, it won’t last long. However, if you perform proper maintenance and pumping and are careful of what goes down the drains, you can expect your system to last much longer than 20 years.

These are just a few septic tank myths you need to be aware of. If you’re looking for a reliable septic company in your area, please contact Whitt's Septic Service today. We look forward to hearing from you!