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Problems with your home’s septic system can be messy and expensive, not to mention inconvenient – who wants to have to run across the street to the neighbor’s every time they have to go? A good way to head off major septic catastrophes is to have routine septic inspections, whether in New Jersey or elsewhere. NJ septic inspection companyClassic Septic Inspections offers some additional advice on how to avoid issues with your home’s septic system.

Don’t overuse the system:

Though hope springs eternally, your septic system does not. It might seem like you can keep flushing forever, but in actuality, your septic system has a finite daily capacity, and it’s important to keep under it. If you use too much water, it can flood the system, causes overflows, and oversaturate the surrounding soil, leading to a long-term issue. Most problems with septic systems are caused by using too much water in too short a time frame. Average daily water usage is 50 gallons per person, and most systems are designed to handle a maximum of 120 gallons per bedroom. Try to keep under that, if possible.

Protect your septic system and the area surrounding it:

Just because your tank and other septic components are underground doesn’t mean they’re impervious to damage. Heavy machinery, prefab buildings, or large impacts on the ground covering your septic system can easily cause cracks, breaks and other malfunctions.

Likewise, Mother Nature can wreak havoc, so watch for vegetation overgrowth, keep deep-rooting plants away, and make sure the soil in the area is loose and clear of debris for most effective drainage. Also pay attention to rain puddles and other surface water.

Just like overuse of home water, latent surface water can flood your system and cause you major problems. Make sure water isn’t accumulating near your septic system, and direct all external drainage far away from your drain field.

A little maintenance goes along way:

Simply taking good care of your septic system goes a long way towards insuring that it runs smoother with fewer problems. Fix leaky or clogged pipes right away. Don’t use the toilet as a trash can or stuff large items or dump oil down the garbage disposal.

Keep chemicals out of the septic system. This doesn’t just include external chemicals like bleach or paint, but also sewage related chemicals like decloggers or septic treatments. These chemicals can interfere with the bacteria in the septic system that helps to break down to the waste, resulting in problems in your system.

Also make sure you regularly check on the amount of material in your system:

Another common cause of septic problems is the failure to get a full tank pumped when necessary. Overloaded systems will frequently clog or backup, resulting in a host of problems and possibly serious damage to your septic system.

One way to facilitate this is to have inspection points installed on your system that enable you to check to the contents of your tank. If the thought of checking your tank seems unappealing, have no fear. Another great way to avoid malfunction is to just have the professionals handle it.

Schedule a routine septic inspection:

Having routine septic inspections will let you know exactly when it’s time to get the system pumped, as well as keep you notified of any other potential problems.

If you suspect problems with your septic system or would like to insure it is working properly, schedule a NJ septic inspection with Classic Septic Inspections. New Jersey’s own Classic Septic does not do septic system repairs.

We are strictly an inspection company. What that means for you is that you get an honest evaluation of your septic system. We have nothing to gain if your system needs repair or maintenance. We simply inspect your system to help keep your home environment healthy and free of septic hazards.

For more information on septic inspections in NJ, call our team at 973-900-1330.