Brownie’s is growing!
We’re excited to announce we’ve joined the Wind River Environmental family of plumbing and septic services. Our local team of plumbers and septic technicians will now have even greater support so we can better service you 24/7/365. With any growth comes some changes and we wanted to communicate to you, our valued customers, that these changes are being made to provide better service around the clock. When you call us you now, following our Brownie’s greeting, you will now have the option to direct calls for businesses and home services. In addition to our local team, your calls will be answered by a Wind River Representative 24/7/365, day AND night.

5 Tips for a Healthy Septic System

Septic tank being pumped.

Have you ever wondered what happens to poop when you flush it down the toilet? Understandably, this question is an afterthought for many people. An underground septic tank is responsible for collecting your home’s water waste. While a high-quality septic tank can last for up to 40 years, neglecting it can drastically shorten its lifespan. The cost of replacement will be thousands of dollars. Here’s how you can keep your septic tank in good health.

  1. Use Less Water

All of your household’s used water is drained into the septic tank. Simply using less water is an easy way to extend the life of your unit. Aside from being bad for the environment, wasteful water usage puts more considerable wear and tear on your home’s septic tank. Even small changes in your daily routine can make a big difference. For example, avoid unnecessarily running water while washing dishes and brushing your teeth. It’s also a good idea to shorten the length of your showers. When possible, try to avoid showering for more than five minutes at a time. Aside from slowly destroying your septic tank, long showers can also cause higher energy bills.

  1. Optimize the Use of Your Washing Machine

A washing machine is a valuable appliance that eliminates the need for you to make trips to the laundromat. However, be careful about overusing your washing machine. The wasted water can be especially hard on your septic tank. To prevent excessive water usage, maximize the loads. Turning on your washing machine only clean a pair of pants wasteful. If you do need to wash a single item, use your appliance’s small-load setting.

  1. Properly Dispose of Waste

Many households use their toilet as a garbage disposal. It’s not uncommon for people to toss things like cigarette butts and dental floss into the commode. Unfortunately, this is bad news for your septic tank. To prevent the septic from becoming clogged, stress the importance of not flushing trash down the toilet with your family. The following items do not belong in your toilet:

  • Cat litter

  • Hair

  • Diapers

  • Feminine hygiene products

  • Cleaning wipes

Even thick tissue paper can cause trouble.

  1. Watch What You Pour Down the Drain

The kitchen drain is the root cause of many septic tank issues. Avoid rinsing grease down your drain. Sooner or later, a blockage is bound to occur. When the gunk starts to harden, it can obstruct the septic tank drain field. Chemical drain cleaners can cause even more severe issues. These powerful solvents can make it more difficult for the septic tank to break down waste. The natural bacterium in your tank won’t be able to do its job effectively. While small clogs can be remedied with hot water or a drain snake, your best bet is to call an experienced plumber for more stubborn kitchen clogs.

  1. Be Careful With Your Landscaping

Because your septic tank is hidden in your yard, use caution when landscaping. Avoid planting any trees near the tank. Ideally, they should not be any closer than 100 feet. Powerful tree roots can easily puncture the underground pipes. Rainwater also needs to be properly diverted away from the septic tank. Over time, water saturation can damage the system. If the ground near the septic tank continually feels soggy, this is a tell-tale sign of problems to come. Keeping debris out of your runoff gutters will help.

Bottom line: Maintenance is also key to maintaining a healthy septic system. For repairs, pumping and routine maintenance, rely on Brownie’s Septic and Plumbing. To schedule an appointment, call (407) 890-0116.

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