Did you know that about 25 percent of American households use septic systems? In fact, some people depend on septic systems and don’t even know it! If you are (or suspect you might be) a member of that 25 percent, it’s critically important that you understand the environmental implications of using and caring for your septic system, and how septic maintenance in Modesto, CA is vital to both the health of your septic system and the health of the planet.
As a plumber that provides septic maintenance in Modesto, CA, we’re well versed in the environmental importance of a clean and properly working septic system. Unfortunately, we find that many of our customers aren’t as knowledgeable. Here’s a rundown of how you can ensure that your septic system is as environmentally friendly as possible.
- Be careful what you flush: When you use a septic system, everything that you flush down your toilet ends up underneath your yard. Flushing pollutants and objects that don’t easily compose down your toilet can wreak havoc on your septic system and, by extension, the environment. Here are some objects that you should never, under any circumstances, flush down your toilet: tampons, pads, condoms, dental floss, diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, household chemicals and medicine. Basically, use your common sense, and don’t flush anything down your toilet besides human waste and toilet paper. Anything else can and should be disposed of in some other manner.
- Conserve water: The average household uses about 70 gallons of water a day. That’s a lot of water, and it’s all going through your septic system. Aside from being a huge drain on the earth’s natural resources, putting that much water down the drain can take a big toll on how well your septic system works. The less wastewater you put down the drain, the less water your septic system has to process. Look around the house to find little ways to save water: plug leaks, get rid of your front lawn, take shorter showers, etc. Get in the habit of questioning whether you need to use as much water as you’re actually using.
- Regular maintenance: Having your septic system routinely serviced is the single best way to ensure that it is healthy and ecologically sound. The average septic system should be maintained about once a year. Doing this will not only help protect the environment—it will also likely save you money. The average routine septic maintenance costs between $200 and $300, while having your septic system fixed after years of neglect could cost you thousands of dollars. A healthy septic system also drives up the value of your home.
- Care for your drain: In the same way that you should be careful about what you flush down your toilet, you should also be cautious of what you put down your drain. Avoid substances like household cleaning products, cooking oil, paint and solvents. It’s also a good idea to keep your disposal usage to a minimum.
To learn more about septic maintenance in Modesto, CA and about how you can help the environment through smarter septic system usage, give us a call today!