December is here and its time to think about winterizing your home. When preparing your home and property for the cold weather don’t forget about your septic tank! Proper septic maintenance is required to keep your tank and yard clean, safe, and working properly. It’s a good idea to schedule yearly inspections of your tank to make sure it is in working order and running smoothly. If your main line is clogged or the leach field is leaking it can end up costing you big bucks to hire someone to get it repaired. With a few easy tips you can make sure your septic tank is in tip top shape this winter.

1. Reduce household water consumption. Using too much water in your home can be a burden on the septic tanks and plumbing. This is even a bigger problem in older homes with older septic systems. Instead, take shorter showers instead of baths; do your laundry a load or two a day instead of five loads in one day, and try to purchase water conservation toilets to use less water while flushing.
2. No Trash. Flushing garbage down the toilet is the number one reason plumbers are called in. Only toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet! Flushing items like cat litter, diapers, baby wipes, sanitary napkins, paper towels, or anything similar can cause back- ups and clogs which can lead to serious damage to your septic system.
3. No chemicals down the drain. Many people think that dumping their leftover dangerous or hazardous chemicals down the toilet is a good idea to get rid of them. Not only is this very unsafe, but it can cause major havoc to your septic system. Never pour grease or any other toxic chemical down your drains or toilets.
4. Buy or make all natural cleaners. If you’re buying bleach or harsh cleaners for your toilet, sinks, or bathtub you may be doing damage to your septic tank. Too much bleach or heavy chemicals can kill all the good bacteria in your septic system. You need some bacteria in order to break down the waste. Without the good bacteria the waste will build up in your tank causing problems in the long run. It’s better to use milder, more natural cleaners in your bathroom and kitchen. They are safer for your family, the environment, and your septic system.

Get in touch with Mcrae’s for all your home septic tank service, cleaning, maintenance and inspection needs.  We’ve been here in the community since 1951 and know how to take care of your tank.