If your home runs on a septic system, you have a huge responsibility to keep it operating smoothly. Not only can a septic system be costly to repair when neglected, but it can even put your family's health at risk in addition to the health of your surrounding area. Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your septic system stays in good shape.

1. Monitor What Goes Down Your Drains

It would be nice to think you can simply flush anything you like down the drains of your home, but this is definitely not the case. Your septic system is designed to only handle human waste and toilet tissue. Anything else coming down the drain can potentially clog the drain or upset the microbes living in the tank. According to the EPA, your septic system contains trillions of living organisms that digest and treat the waste. When the organisms are healthy, they break down solid waste so that the septic system operates properly. However, if other things other than waste come into contact with these microbes it can kill them. This is why you should be mindful of what goes down the drain.

2. Pump Your System Regularly

Did you know that it's also necessary to have your septic system pumped out regularly? Experts at Forbes advise that you have a septic tank pumping service visit your property for pumping every three to five years depending on the size of your household. During a pumping, the system will get cleaned out thoroughly. Our team of professionals will also check for any obvious signs of damage. Early intervention for damage is essential for tank longevity.

3. Don't Extend Your System

It's also necessary that you use your septic system the way it was designed. Systems are built to handle the waste of a certain number of household members. The septic tank size is determined by the number of bedrooms in the house with the assumption that there could be two individuals per room. Although you can certainly have as many people in your home as you like, you should be aware that the septic tank system is only designed for two people per official bedroom, per the EPA. So, for example, a three-bedroom house will have a tank for six people. If you over-extend the tank, you'll run into extra expenses and extra repairs.

These are just a few tips on how to keep your system in good shape. If you're in need of a septic tank pumping service, please call Davis Septic Services today!