Septic systems are an important part of our environment. They are designed to use bacteria and the filtering action of the soil to carry away wastewater from your household, clean it, and return it to the ground. As a septic tank owner, you should ensure that whatever you put into your system produces the least ground pollution possible. Luckily, your septic system can be sustainable and green as long as you take certain basic steps. Here are a few simple tips for an environmentally friendly septic system.
How Malfunctioning Septic Systems Hurt the Environment
When your septic system is not working properly, it may not eliminate all the disease-causing bacteria in the wastewater before it enters the groundwater, which may leak into lakes, streams, or oceans.
The bacteria can also significantly endanger the health of nearby inhabitants who drink well water. The wastewater that trickles out of a failing septic system also draws mosquitoes and flies like stagnant water. The insects can reproduce in the water and cause disease when they land on or sting people and animals.
These bacteria and nutrient residues from the malfunctioning septic system can destroy aquatic plants in bodies of water and cause others to overgrow. It causes animals in the lakes and seas to die, displacing the natural balance of the marine ecosystem. This bacteria is also hazardous to the health of humans who find it while swimming in a contaminated body of water.
Tips to Have an Eco-Friendly Septic System
Here are the practical steps to maintain your system functioning suitably to stop the environmental pollution that a malfunctioning system can produce.
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Understand Your Septic System
Knowing about how your septic system works and impacts the groundwater will better help you use and maintain it in an environmentally friendly manner. There are three major components to your septic system:
- Tank: Wastewater from the house flows into the tank, where enzymes and bacteria break down some of the material. Whatever they cannot break downfalls to the bottom of the tank as sludge. A layer of grease and fats floats at the top.
- Drain lines: The middle layer of partially treated water flows out of the tank into the drain lines through perforated pipes.
- Septic field: A septic field, or a drain field, is an essential septic system component. It’s a designated area responsible for treating and disposing of the wastewater that flows out of your home’s plumbing system. The septic field is typically underground and consists of a series of horizontally placed pipes in a gravel-filled trench.
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Watch What Chemicals You Put Down the Drain
When it comes to your septic system, what you put down the drain does matter. Chemicals like bleach, paint thinners, and antifreeze can all kill the bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste. That means that those chemicals will end up in your leach field, where they can contaminate the groundwater. Not only is that bad for the environment, but it can also be expensive to clean up. There are several eco-friendly drain and septic system cleaners, and visiting the nearest store should give you some alternatives.
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Compost Your Food Waste
Composting your food waste is a fantastic way to have an eco-friendly septic system. Rather than sending food scraps to the landfill, where they will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, you can transform them into a valuable resource for your garden. Organic matter, such as fruit and vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds, can be broken down into nutrient-rich compost. This compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for your plants, helping to improve soil health and promote healthy growth. Not only will you be reducing your environmental impact, but you’ll also be providing your garden with a sustainable source of nutrients.
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Keep Your System From Clogging Up
Maintaining a healthy septic system is key to minimizing your environmental impact. One of the most important steps in this process is preventing your system from getting clogged. This means avoiding the disposal of harmful materials like cooking oil, paint, and chemicals and being mindful of the amount of toilet paper and water you use. Regularly pumping your tank can also prevent build-up and ensure your system functions properly.
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Practice Water Conservation
Water conservation is a vital aspect of having an eco-friendly septic system. Implementing simple steps such as fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and using water-efficient appliances, can help reduce water usage and prevent unnecessary strain on your septic system. Conserving water not only helps to protect the environment by reducing your water consumption, but it also ensures that your septic system operates effectively, ultimately leading to a longer lifespan for the system.
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Pump Out Your Tank Regularly
Pumping out your tank regularly helps prevent the backup of wastewater into your household, which can cause health hazards, contaminating your soil and groundwater. It will also help ensure that your tank functions efficiently, allowing the bacteria to break down solids and protecting you, your family, and your community from harmful pollutants. Moreover, it can save you money in the long run. Over time, dirt, debris, and other waste can accumulate inside your tank, leading to expensive repair costs.
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Have Your System Inspected Once a Year
This annual inspection provides the opportunity to identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. Additionally, regular maintenance ensures the proper functioning of your system, preventing leaks and contaminated water from entering the surrounding soil.
Conclusion
Maintaining the health of your septic system is essential for keeping a safe and clean home. Ensuring you use eco-friendly solutions and regularly inspect your tank can help you save money, protect the environment, and ensure a proper functioning system. With these simple steps, you can help keep your septic system healthy while taking an environmentally friendly approach.
To take it one step further, consider acquiring professional help from the experts at Vi Reel Septic and Excavation. Our services extend from installation to maintenance and repair of any septic system problems that may arise. Contact us at 250-323-1010 today for reliable and trustworthy service for your septic system needs.