If you rent or own a house in Alaska, it’s likely you have a septic system to treat the wastewater leaving your home. Well-built systems can last up to 20 years if they are not misused, regularly pumped, and kept free of clogs that can lead to costly repairs.
Septic Systems 101
Victory Drain Cleaning is committed to providing you with the knowledge to extend the life of your home systems. Understanding how your septic system works is essential to proper maintenance.
- Initially, wastewater leaves your home and is collected in a buried water-tight tank.
- The tank, which can have one or two chambers, collects the raw sewage allowing solids (sludge) to settle to the bottom.
- The clearer liquid (effluent) above the sludge flows towards an outlet pipe into a drainfield within your property.
- Finally, in the drainfield, wastewater percolates through the soil, naturally removing harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Keep Your Septic System Healthy
The saying that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is critical in maintaining a sustainable septic system and avoiding clogged lines.
Pump Your Tank Regularly
While Victory Drain Cleaning does not pump tanks, we recommend you follow a schedule of 3 to 5 years. Removing solids regularly prevents buildup and reduces the chances of plugging up the drainfield.
Avoid Putting Harmful Chemicals Into the System
Harsh chemicals can eat away at your pipes, leading to expensive plumbing repairs and even messy leaks. They also kill the beneficial bacteria that are vital for your septic system to function properly. When these bacteria are killed off, your tank can back up, leading to costly and unpleasant problems.
Neglecting your septic system doesn’t just lead to inconvenient backups — it can cost thousands of dollars in repairs and even contaminate groundwater, putting your family’s health at risk!
Don’t Overwhelm the System
Don’t wash clothes, take a shower, and run the dishwasher simultaneously. If possible, don’t do several loads of laundry one right after the other. Give your septic system time to treat the wastewater or you could overload the system.
Never Put Oil or Grease Down the Drain
Cooking grease may make for a tasty meal, but it’s disastrous in your drains. Pouring it down the sink is a recipe for a plumbing disaster and a hefty repair bill.
Toilets Are Not Garbage Cans
Your septic system is designed to handle only wastewater and toilet paper. Never flush down:
- Cotton balls
- Diapers
- Oils, grease
- Paper towels
- Hair
- Cigarette butts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Feminine hygiene products
- Paint
However, even if you’re careful, clogged septic lines can happen, especially if you have young children who may flush toys down the toilet! If you can’t fish out the rogue toy yourself, Victory Drain Cleaning is ready to plunge into action and save the day (and your plumbing!)
Take Care Of Your Drainfield
The simplest way to care for your drainfield is to plant grass. Tree and shrub roots are a major danger, so keep them at a distance. And definitely don’t park anything on it — not even your favorite side–by–side! Compacted soil is the drainfield’s biggest enemy, causing pipes to break and water to pool.
Signs You May Have a Septic Line Problem
A simple clogged sink or shower, often solvable on your own, doesn’t necessarily mean septic system trouble. What do you need to look for to know you need to call a professional?
- Water from toilets, drains, and sinks are all backing up into the home.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
- Bad odors around the drainfield and inside your home.
- Lush green grass over the septic tank or drainfield, even during dry weather.
If you notice untreated, smelly water pooling in your yard or coming into your home, avoid the areas. Keep everyone and all pets away. It contains harmful germs!
Septic Systems Guidelines for Alaska Homeowners
- Pump your septic tank regularly. Have it inspected and pumped every 1 to 3 years, depending on tank size, water usage, and household size.
- Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach and other chemicals kill the beneficial bacteria that keep your system functioning. If you notice bad odors, you may have a blocked sewage line — contact a professional for assistance
- Choose the right toilet paper. Use toilet paper that dissolves easily. The thicker the paper, the longer it takes to break down in your tank. Too much, too soon can also clog your pipes.
- Skip the additives. The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recommends against chemical or biological additives. Keeping chemicals out of your system is the best way to maintain a healthy tank.
- Watch for signs of frozen septic lines. If your system isn’t draining properly or you notice unusual backups during extreme cold, your septic lines may be frozen. Many Alaskans can thaw the pipes themselves. If that’s not possible, a professional thawing service is the fastest and safest solution.
- Take care of clogs as soon as possible. If your septic lines become clogged, Victory Drain Cleaning is here to help. As Alaska’s trusted drain experts, we ensure your drains, pipes, and septic system stay in top condition
Are You Purchasing a Home In Alaska?
Septic systems are easy to overlook since you can’t see them. Don’t get caught with costly surprises down the road! You can access records on a home’s septic system by contacting your local Department of Environmental Conservation office. Anchorage residents can contact the Municipality for this information.
Protect Your Septic System
Proper septic system maintenance is essential for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring a long-lasting system in Alaska. You can protect your home and the environment by following the best practices — such as regular pumping, preventing clogs, and being mindful of what goes down your drains.
