Your septic tanks performs a valuable service, one that we all take for granted.  And water is technically a renewable resource, but due to contamination and abuse, each day, some water is taken out of the finite supply for good.  Take a look at these thought-provoking facts about waste water.

• 45 Billion gallons of fresh water are saved each year through the use of portapotty services
• Americans use more water each day by flushing the toilet than they use while showering (or any other activity).  Source: Florida Water Environmental Association
• A leaky toilet wastes water — up to 200 gallons of water PER DAY!  Source: US EPA
• Americans use about 100 gallons of water each day.  Compare that to Europeans, who use about 50 gallons per day.  Sub-Saharan Africans use about 2-5 gallons per day.  What a difference!
• You should pump your septic tank every 3-5 years.  Of course, if you have a large family (5 or more), or if your home has a garbage disposal, you’ll likely need to pump more often.

Keeping your septic tank running smoothly isn’t difficult.  Protect your septic tank with some common sense rules, and avoid flushing these nasties:

• Hair Combings
• Coffee Grounds
• Dental Floss
• Disposable Diapers
• Kitty Litter
• Sanitary Napkins
• Tampons
• Q Tips
• Cigarette Butts
• Condoms
• Gauze Bandages
• Baby Wipes (even those that say they are septic system approved)
• Paper Towels
• Fat or Grease

Many people think that a Septic System is one of those things that you never have to think about again, but that is just not the case.  In fact, Septic Systems are complex little beasts with living organisms inside and chemicals and normal wear and tear can wreak havoc on the delicate ecosystem inside.

To keep your septic system at peak performance (and avoid those pesky overflows and yucky backups), follow these 4 tips:

1. Pump your tank at regular intervals.
   Every 3-5 years, a septic tank needs to be pumped.  This is a general estimate, calculated on the 2 parents/2 kids model.  If your family is larger, you will need to pump more often.
2. Use water efficiently.
   Septic systems are created with efficiency in mind.  Conserve water normally, and don’t just run it for fun and you’ll be fine.
3. Do not overuse cleaning products.
   The overuse of household cleaning products can kill your bacteria, and those bacteria are the lifeblood of your septic system!  Don’t pour grease, oils or cleaning products down the drain and your bacteria will continue to flourish and do their job.
4. Care for your drain field.
   Keep your grass mowed, do not plant trees or shrubs around your drain fields.  Don’t drive on your drainfield.  Do divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios and driveways away from the drain field.  Keep that drain field free of roots and water and you’ll have a happy septic tank.