Do you have a healthy septic system? Do you know what steps to take to avoid costly repairs? The key to avoiding costly repairs is preventative septic maintenance. The old saying if it’s not broke don’t fix it does not apply here. The average septic system should last anywhere between 20-30 years, if maintained properly. Unfortunately, most homeowners neglect septic system maintenance, leading to early replacement of drain fields and septic systems, and in turn costly repairs and replacements years before it’s due. For example, it typically costs from $3,000 to $10,000 to replace a failing septic system, compared to $100 to $300 average per year costs to have a septic system routinely pumped and/or inspected. All of the above can be prevented with regular maintenance and inspections by licensed, certified technicians. If the homeowner neglects regular maintenance, they are likely to face thousands of dollars of repair and complete system failure. Homeowners looking for quality septic maintenance in the Tampa Bay area, look no further than Southern Water and Soil Septic System Experts. Greg Mayfield, has 17 years of experience. He and his team are the most trusted experts in the field of septic/onsite wastewater treatment and subsurface disposal systems. Homeowners can take the following steps to avoid costly repairs. 1. Get inspected. Septic systems should be inspected every 1-2 years, and more frequently if the system has had issues in the past. Regular inspections will help catch potentially bigger issues, which can lead to costly repairs later down the road. Most septic companies offer annual inspections as part of their annual service programs. Speak to your Southern Water representative today to schedule your appointment for a healthy septic system. 
2. Get Pumped. According to the EPA most septic systems need to be pumped every 1-3 years. It is important to hire a licensed trusted professional to inspect your septic system. Greg Mayfield, owner of Southern Water has years of expertise and can help determine what schedule and how often your system should be pumped. There are many factors, that can lead require a system to be pumped more often. If you have a garbage disposal, for example, you will have to pump out your system more frequently than persons disposing of their food waste in a garbage can or by other means. It is extremely important hire a trusted septic system inspection and service provider to ensure you don’t pump too often. Over-pumping can also be harmful to the natural bacteria and process of your septic system. 
3. Water control- Generally speaking, the more people in a household, the more water used, the more water that flows thru the system. Consider low-flow toilets and fix leaky faucets. Direct all waste water into the septic system. Do not drive or park over your system. Avoid harmful chemicals for cleaning. Consider spacing laundry throughout the week, instead of 3-4 loads on one day to avoid stressing your system. Keep roof drains and rainwater direct away from your absorption field. Avoid planting trees near your septic system, to avoid roots growing and causing potential blockages. Inadequate filtering of waste water can have potentially serious health effects to your family and your neighbors. Bacteria and viruses from human waste can cause dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid fever. Many serious outbreaks of these diseases have been caused by contaminated drinking water. Ask us about our timed dosed control panels that help discover water leaks and rain water intrusion. 
4. Know what can go- Homeowners can educate themselves on what can and cannot be flushed in the toilet. Understanding what your septic system can handle will prolong the life and help maintain a healthy system. Do not put disposable diapers, sanitary napkins,tampons, condoms, paper towels, facial tissues, plastics, cat litter, or cigarettes into your septic system. These items are more solid and will cause your system to need to be pumped more often. Also clients living in coastal areas should avoid having down spouts that put excess water over the drainfield area. 
For more information about preventative septic maintenance or to sign up for annual septic system maintenance in the Tampa Bay area, call Southern water and Soil experts.
