Now that there's just a few weeks left of winter, it's time to get ready for spring cleaning. While you're making the plans, don't forget to add septic care to your list. Your septic has been buried under frozen soil for the last few months. It's going to need some extra tender-loving-care if you want to avoid problems once the weather warms up. Here are four steps you should take to help get your septic clean and ready for spring.
Pump the Tanks
When it comes to preparing your septic for spring, one of the first things you should do is have the tanks emptied. This is particularly true if you live in an area that experiences torrential rain storms during the spring. Torrential rains can cause your seepage pit to overflow, which can cause serious problems for your septic tanks. If your tanks are empty, they'll have sufficient room to accommodate the additional water that will seep through.
Clean the Drains
While you're having your septic system serviced, you should also have your drains cleaned – especially if you've noticed foul odors coming up from the sinks, or you've experienced sewage backups into your bathtubs. Those problems are signs that your drains are too dirty to function properly. Not only that, but if you've had a sewage backup into your home, your drains could be contaminated with fecal matter. To eliminate the problems, it's a good idea to have your drains cleaned each time your septic system is serviced.
Secure the Clean-Out Drain
You might not realize this, but you have clean-out drains located around the outside perimeter of your home. Those clean-out drains lead right to your septic system. Unfortunately, that access can pose a threat to your septic system, especially during the rainy season. Now that spring is just around the corner, it's time to inspect the drain covers. If the clean-out drain covers are damaged – or missing – they should be replaced as soon as possible. This will prevent rain water from flooding your septic system.
Repair the Leaks
Over-saturation risks don't just come from exterior problems such as torrential rains, or broken drain caps. They also come for leaks inside your home. While you're taking care of your spring septic maintenance, it's a good idea to inspect your inside plumbing for leaks. To test your faucets, place a bowl in each sink before going to bed. If you see water in the bowls when you wake up in the morning, you have leaks that will need to be repaired.
To test your toilets, place several drops of food coloring in the toilet tanks – enough to change the color of the water. Leave the toilets alone for about 30 minutes. If the colored water has seeped into the toilet bowl, you have a leak in your toilet tank. Repairing the leaks as soon as possible, will prevent septic problems by reducing the amount of wasted water that's flowing into the tank each day.
Winter is almost over. It's time to service your septic system. The tips provided here will help you avoid septic problems this spring. For more information, visit websites like http://www.jarrachcesspool.com.
