Keep your septic system running efficiently: Tips for maintaining your lagoon.

Savvy Mid-Missouri homeowners, in Columbia, Jefferson City and Fulton, know that diligently maintaining all the components of the home’s septic system actually protects their investment. The harsh reality is inadequate attention to upkeep can directly lead to a system failure…and that can be costly!

Traditionally a septic system consists of plumbing, that carries wastewater from the house, and a lagoon, which is a shallow body of wastewater where the treatment and reintroduction of wastewater into the environment takes place. To keep their lagoon operating at maximum efficiency, homeowners should be mindful of a few basics:

Managing Solids:

Solids can clog plumbing. Pass on pouring grease or oil down the drain and dispose of other solid waste such as feminine products, disposable diapers, paper towels, Kleenex and cigarette butts in the trash.

Hazardous Materials:

Lagoons harbor living organisms that treat wastewater so hazardous materials or chemicals can disrupt this natural system. Insecticides, herbicides or fungicides, medication, paints and thinners, solvents, or even excessive amounts of household cleaning compounds should be kept out of the drain as they can slow or even kill these beneficial organisms. Automatic toilet cleaners with bleach should definitely be avoided as they introduce an antibacterial agent into the lagoon.

Water Level:

The liquid depth in the lagoon should be checked and the amount recorded in a log monthly. A 2-5ft. liquid depth should be established and maintained as should a 1ft. freeboard between the surface of the wastewater and the top of the dike. If required, water should be added during dry spells to maintain the minimum 2-ft. depth.

Monitor Structures:

Lagoon structures should be inspected at approximately the same time monthly. Ensure fences don’t gap, check locks, manage vegetation, examine the dike and maintain its’ original height and shape as built. Annually, ensure there is at least eighteen inches of water above the sludge, repair any leaks and have a pro check the sludge depth at the center.

Smart homeowners get that it just good sense to do what needs to be done to maintain the septic system’s efficiency. To keep it running at its peak and extend its life, contact Peace of Mind Home Inspections for an affordable inspection that aims to identify potential problems before they wreak havoc.