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Septic Tank Care Tips for Pet Owners

  • By Admin
  • 21 Oct, 2022

An efficient septic tank is crucial for a functional and comfortable home. The septic tank is the center of the home's sewage system and holds all the wastewater from showers, sinks, toilets, and laundry. Therefore, you cannot afford a septic tank failure even for a day.

However, septic tanks require proper care and maintenance to function correctly, and this can be a bit complex for pet owners. Some of the byproducts of owning pets can affect septic tanks and, if not appropriately managed, can lead to septic tank failure. Discover how to deal with some of these issues with the septic tank care tips for pet owners below.


Pet Waste

Your pet waste should not be drained with the rest of your home's wastewater. First, pet waste does not decompose as fast as human waste, so the waste will stay in the septic tank for longer, taking up valuable space.

Additionally, pet waste can contain harmful bacteria that will throw off the delicate balance in the septic tank. The good bacteria in the septic tanks help to break down the solid waste, so if the pet waste contains bacteria that kill the good bacteria, the tank will no longer be able to function correctly.

Pet waste may contain hair, which can clog up the septic tank. The waste may also contain harmful parasites that the septic tank cannot process, which can back up and contaminate your drinking water.

The best way to handle pet waste is to scoop it up with a shovel and dispose of it in the trash.


Pet Fur

Pet fur can also clog up your septic tank, especially if you have a long-haired pet. The hair will mix in with the wastewater and solid waste in the septic tank and, over time, will create a blockage.

To prevent pet fur from clogging up your septic tank, regularly brush your pet outdoors and dispose of the hair properly. You can also invest in a lint roller to remove the fur from your clothing before it has a chance to enter the septic system.


Pet Care Products

The chemicals in pet care products can also kill the good bacteria in your septic tank. The products include shampoo, conditioner, flea and tick treatment, and even deodorant. Therefore, do not flush these products down the toilet or pour them down the drain. Instead, dispose of them in the trash. You can also look for natural pet care products that are safe for septic tanks.

In the same way, some pet wipes can compromise the functionality of your septic tank. For example, the wipes may not disintegrate as quickly as toilet paper and can clog up the tank.


Pet Food

Before you put your pet's bowl in the sink for a post-meal rinse, make sure there are no leftovers. The food particles can build up in your septic tank and clog the drainage field.

Furthermore, some pet food brands may expand when wet, leading to a clogged septic tank. The food particles will also take up a lot of space in your septic tank, leaving less room for the solid waste to decompose.

To avoid these issues, scrape your pet's bowl clean and dispose of the food in the trash. And try as much as possible to feed your furry friend outside.

Without proper care, pet ownership can be detrimental to your septic tank. Therefore, follow the tips above to avoid septic tank problems and keep your home's sewage system running smoothly. Most importantly, invest in regular septic tank inspection and maintenance to keep your system in good condition.

We are your trusted septic tank maintenance and repair partner at Allen Turner Septic Tank Service. We are equipped to handle all your septic tank needs, from installation to pump outs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

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Are you experiencing a sewage backup, slow drainage, or a pungent smell around the drain field? Perhaps the grass around your septic drain field is more lush and green than the rest of the yard. If you've noticed any of these signs, you might need to pump your septic tank.

To avoid hazardous and expensive septic system failures, pump your septic tank regularly. For homeowners, a septic tank pump job should happen every three to five years. However, this time frame will depend on the tank size and the number of occupants in the household.

From cost savings to better health, septic tank pump-outs offer numerous benefits. This guide enlightens you on the benefits of septic tank pumping.

Prevent Damage

Failure to pump the septic tank can result in mechanical and physical damage to the system. For instance, the waste could overwhelm and crack the outlet and inlet pipes if the excess sludge is not removed. Also, the excess waste could block the septic system and cause sewage back-ups in your sinks, toilets, and bathtubs. You will pay so much more to fix these issues than you'd have paid to empty the tank.

Regular pump-outs will prevent overfill, clogs, and blockages in the septic system. Also, the pump jobs will not only improve your system's overall efficiency but will also help to avoid extensive system damage.

Protect Your Family

The level of care you provide to your septic tank will correspond to the health of your household and surrounding environment. A brimming septic tank creates a health hazard to your household, neighbors, and even animals. For instance, sewage backup in your home or groundwater contamination can cause bacterial or viral diseases like typhoid, cholera, and rotavirus.

Also, if the septic tank is full, gas will build up in the chamber to produce dangerous fumes with ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. The pungent smells produced aren't only unpleasant but also hazardous. These fumes can be poisonous even in small concentrations to cause shortness of breath, eye irritation, and worsened asthma symptoms. In high concentrations, the fumes can cause organ damage and even death.

To keep your loved ones and neighbors safe, make sure to pump your septic tank at the right time. If you're not sure, contact a septic tank contractor who will conduct an inspection and advise whether you need to get the septic tank pumped.

Protect Your Property

An overfilled or clogged septic tank can wreak havoc in your home. If the wastewater and sludge flood your yard or house, you can incur costly property damages. To avoid these issues and protect your property, empty your septic tank regularly.

Save Money

Overfull septic tanks can easily lead to system malfunctions or failure. In such cases, some septic system components may be faulty and require repair or replacement. If the damage is extensive, the whole system may need a replacement and cost you thousands of dollars.

Also, since an overfilled septic tank will cause damage to other structures such as your landscaping and home, the repair costs might be astronomical. And don't forget the medical expenses if you or your family member falls sick due to the health hazard presented by an overflowing septic system.

Avoid all these expenses through regular pump jobs of your septic tank. While septic tank pump-out will cost you money, you avoid a lot of issues to save in the long run. Also, you only need to empty your septic tank once every few years. Proper maintenance is key for optimal functioning and avoiding costly damages to your septic system.

Regular septic pumps can help prevent damage, prolong the system's lifespan, and improve performance. If you need any septic system services, Allen Turner Septic Tank Service can help.

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