You may never think about your home's septic system until something goes wrong, but maintenance should always be a thought. Your septic system could last 25 to 30 years or even longer when properly taken care of, according to Hapchuk, Inc. A septic pumping company can help you in times of trouble, but here are the do's and don'ts for maintaining your septic system.

Do

• Regulate when you do laundry so you spread it out over the course of the week instead of cramming it all in one day. Doing so keeps you from overtaxing your septic system. Also, toss the powder detergent because it can build up in the tank and has the potential to plug up the disposal area.

• Use water-saving features often. Low flush toilets and low water use shower heads are a great start to helping save your septic system. You may be able to save gallons of water every year if you have water-saving devices installed, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

• Keep your lawn free of large roots by checking often. Don't plant trees that may encroach on your septic system as they may clog the absorption lines.

• Keep good maintenance records so you can refer to them as often as you need.
  
  

Don’t

• Say no to garbage disposals because they introduce solids into your septic system. While they are convenient, they’ll clog up the system and make your system have a shorter shelf life than if you didn't have one.

• Say no to mud. Dirt and mud can get caked onto clothes, our fruits, and vegetables, or anything else we may wash. Before tossing them into the wash or chucking them into the sink to scrub, dust off the mud and dirt into a trash receptacle first. Doing so will save some of the space in your septic system and keep clogs from forming.

• Drain the kitchen grease into a garbage can or elsewhere, and don’t pour it down a drain. It’ll clog and create havoc in your septic system as well as keep your plumbing in horrible shape.

A septic pumping company can help you should you ever run into trouble with your septic system. Keeping a good common sense attitude about what does and doesn't go down your pipes is a way to keep that trouble fewer and farther between. Get in touch with Hutch & Co Plumbing & Septic to schedule an appointment for septic pumping or other maintenance services.