Having a septic system on your property comes with many benefits. For instance, septic tanks are cost-efficient and environmentally friendly. According to Circle of Blue, more than 21 million households in the U.S. use septic systems instead of a public sewer to trap and filter their toilet waste. That said, you get more benefits from your septic system by taking good care of it, so here are three tips to help you extend the life of your septic system.

Be Careful About What Goes Down the Drain

The most effective thing you can do to increase the longevity of your septic system is to watch what goes into it. For instance, it's crucial not to interfere with the bacterial ecosystem in your tank, which is responsible for breaking down waste. That means things like hydrogen peroxide, bleach, pesticides, and chlorine should not be flushed down the toilet or washed down the drain. In addition, don't dispose of oils, fats, and grease down the drain since these don't break down. Other problematic items that should not be flushed down the toilet include toilet paper that's too thick, dental floss, paper towels, cat litter, or plastics. These things may seem flushable, but they can wreak havoc with your septic system.

Get Your Septic Tank Pumped Regularly

Ideally, your septic tank should be pumped every three to five years, though it depends on the capacity of the tank and the number of people in the household. It's important to get the septic tank pumped to remove the sludge that accumulates at the bottom from filling up the tank and preventing effluent from escaping into your yard.

Schedule a Septic System Inspection

You never know what could go wrong with your septic system. Septic systems are vulnerable to all sorts of issues, such as drain field malfunction, leaks, and damage. Without professional insight, you might never know there's something wrong with your septic system until it's too late. That's why it's important to schedule an annual septic tank inspection to identify issues early and make timely repairs instead of trying to repair major damage. Fortunately, reputable septic tank companies are ready to provide this service.

These are the top three things that will help you increase the life of your septic tank. By working with reputable septic companies, you can avoid costly issues from developing, so be sure to get in touch with Watkins Septic and Drain LLC today.