If you’re the proud owner of a septic system, you probably already know the basics of what that means. But if you’ve recently moved from the city to a rural property, this might be your first real introduction to how a septic system works. And while septic and municipal sewer systems share the same purpose, there are key differences every homeowner with a septic system needs to understand.
Knowing how your septic tank and overall system function is one of the best ways to protect your investment. With regular septic tank maintenance, your system can last anywhere from 20 to 40 years. That said, we’ve seen many systems fail long before that simply due to preventable issues. The good news? Most major problems can be avoided with proper care—including staying on top of routine inspections, scheduling repairs at the first sign of trouble, and being mindful of what gets drained or flushed.
With a little knowledge and regular upkeep, you can keep your septic system running efficiently for decades. In this blog, we’ll share our top septic tank care tips to keep your system running longer.
Understanding Your Septic System: Components and Function
A typical septic system consists of two main parts working in tandem to treat household wastewater: the septic tank and the drain field (also known as the leach field or soil absorption area).
1. The Septic Tank
All wastewater from your home (toilets, sinks, showers) first flows into the watertight septic tank. Here, a three-step preliminary treatment process occurs:
- Settling: Heavy solid materials sink to the bottom, forming a layer called sludge.
- Floating: Lighter materials, such as grease and oils, float to the top, forming a layer called scum.
- Treatment: Natural bacteria present in the wastewater begin to break down some of the organic matter within the tank.
Only the pre-treated liquid wastewater, called effluent, is allowed to exit the tank, usually via a T-shaped outlet that prevents solids and scum from passing through.
2. The Drain Field
The effluent from the septic tank flows into the drain field, which consists of a network of trenches or beds filled with gravel and perforated pipes buried in the soil.
- The effluent slowly trickles out of the pipes and is absorbed into the soil.
- The soil acts as a natural biological filter, providing further treatment by removing pathogens, viruses, and other impurities before the water re-enters the groundwater supply.
Essential Maintenance for Longevity and Efficiency
Regular, proactive septic tank maintenance is crucial. Neglecting your system can lead to costly repairs, premature system failure, and environmental hazards caused by untreated wastewater backing up or contaminating groundwater.
Schedule Professional Care
Professional attention is the most critical step in maintaining system health.
- Inspections: Have your system professionally inspected annually to check sludge and scum levels and assess the overall condition.
- Pumping: The tank should be pumped every three to five years. Pumping frequency depends on the tank size and the number of people living in the household. Regular pumping removes built-up sludge and scum, preventing these solids from escaping into the drain field and clogging pipes and soil, which can lead to system failure.
Manage Water Usage
Reducing the amount of water flowing into the system prevents hydraulic overload, a condition in which too much water overwhelms the tank and drain field, preventing proper settling and treatment.
- Fix Leaks: Immediately repair all leaky faucets and running toilets.
- Install Water-Efficient Fixtures: Use low-flow toilets and showerheads.
- Space Out Usage: Distribute high-volume water use (like laundry loads) throughout the week rather than doing all loads in one day.
Practice Proper Waste Disposal
Only human waste and toilet paper should be flushed down the drains.
- Avoid Non-Biodegradables: Never flush items like disposable diapers, sanitary products, paper towels, wipes (even those marketed as “flushable”), dental floss, or cigarette butts. These items do not break down and rapidly contribute to sludge accumulation, requiring more frequent pump-outs.
- Keep Grease Out: Never pour cooking oils, grease, or fats down the drain. They solidify in the pipes and tank, causing blockages and clogs.
- Minimize Hazardous Chemicals: Do not dispose of solvents, paints, motor oil, or excessive amounts of harsh chemical drain cleaners in the sink or toilet. These substances can kill the beneficial bacteria in the tank that are necessary for breaking down organic solids.
Protect the Drain Field
The drain field area must remain undisturbed to function correctly.
- Avoid Compaction: Do not drive, park heavy vehicles, or construct sheds/decks over the drain field. This compacts the soil, reducing its ability to absorb and treat the effluent.
- Plant Smartly: Do not plant trees or deep-rooted shrubs near the drain field. Their roots can grow into and clog the distribution pipes, causing extensive damage.
A Note on Septic Additives
The naturally occurring bacteria in household wastewater are typically sufficient to maintain a healthy septic tank environment. Commercial septic additives are generally not recommended as they are often unnecessary and can sometimes cause problems by mobilizing solids that should remain in the tank, allowing them to flow into and damage the drain field.
Trusted Septic System Maintenance and Repair From SepTech
Regular septic tank maintenance is essential for protecting your home and avoiding costly, stressful repairs. Staying on top of inspections, conserving water, practicing responsible waste disposal, avoiding harsh chemicals, protecting your drain field, and installing a riser all play a key role in extending your system’s lifespan. These simple habits—combined with good household education—can save you money and keep your septic system performing reliably for years.
Of course, even with the best care, septic issues can still arise—especially in Northern Alberta’s challenging conditions. That’s where SepTech comes in. Our specialists focus on repairing septic systems efficiently and effectively, helping homeowners avoid full system replacement whenever possible. Whether you need routine maintenance, troubleshooting, or emergency repair, contact SepTech Solutions. We’ll take it from there.
