Tips For Taking Care Of Your Septic System Do You Know What Kind of Septic System You Have? Standard systems operate basically the same way, but there are different variations with the setup that make a difference in how your system works and what kind of maintenance it will require. Chances are that if you installed the septic system, you'll know what kind it is. However, if you bought a preexisting home, you may not have any idea about the system. To find out its exact specifications, contact a licensed septic system inspection and maintenance service. Are You Familiar with Your Septic System's Location? It is important that you do everything you can to prevent accidental damage to your septic system. In order to do this, you have to know where it is located. Septic tanks are installed below ground, and the leachfield, which processes the waste, is installed near the tank. To locate your septic system's location, ask a professional septic inspection service to show you exactly where it is. Is Your System Working Correctly? Preventive septic maintenance is important to make sure your system is working correctly. Septic systems that fail can be costly to repair, but if you catch problems early on, expensive repairs or replacement may be able to be avoided. It's also important that you're aware of any maintenance that has been done to the system. Buyers purchasing a new home with a septic system should consult with the current owners for a list of maintenance services and any repairs. Questions you should ask about the system include the following: • Date the system was last pumped • Frequency of pumping • Age of the system • Signs of failure Also ask if there were any additions to the house after the septic system was installed. Why is this important? These systems are designed to work based on the number of bathrooms in the home and the number of bedrooms. This information helps designers have a rudimentary idea of how many people may be living in the home and using the bathroom. If additions were completed to the home such as a new bathroom, this could affect how well the system will work in the future. Do You Know the Signs of a Failing Septic System? Recognizing the signs of a failing system can prevent catastrophic repairs. Signs of failure include the following: • Raw sewage backing up into toilets, sinks, or bathtubs • Wastewater collecting in the leachfield • Sewage backups in the kitchen • Nasty odors coming from drains in your home or in the backyard If you notice any of the following occurrences, contact a certified septic system inspector as soon as possible. Allowing raw sewage to gather in your home can present a health hazard to you and your family. The more informed you are about your septic system, the more likely it is that it will last for years and years to come without causing problems. One of the best ways to do this is to establish a relationship with a septic system inspection and maintenance company in town. In Covington, GA, septic services can be affordable and straightforward. The more you know about your system, the more money you'll keep in your pocket at the end of the day.