You’ve diligently had your septic tank inspected every three years, or maybe more often if you have a large household. Inspection doesn’t involve having the tank pumped, which is done every five or six years. An inspection makes sure that the tank, its pipes and the leach field are all sound and working the way they should. Here are some steps you should take before the septic tank team arrives.
Turn the Water Off
A day or two before the team arrives, you should do the laundry, take showers and baths, do the dishes, and then fill jugs and buckets and other containers with enough water to last a couple of days. Though you don’t have to stop using water completely — you can still use the toilet, after all — keep water use to the bare minimum. This keeps the septic tank from filling with wastewater and makes the team’s job easier.
Find Your Septic System’s Records
You need to put your septic system’s records in a place where you can easily access them, such as an old file cabinet. These records help the team better evaluate and service your septic system. If you don’t have the records or can’t find them, get in touch with your Department of Health and have them send you copies. Even without the documents, you should at least be able to tell the team the last time your septic tank was pumped.
Clear the Area Over the Tank
Make sure to take away any patio furniture or toys from the area above the tank. You should never park any vehicles over the tank even when it’s not being inspected. You might, if the tank is really deep, start digging above the lid, but don’t open it under any circumstances. Sewer gas is lethal. It’s bad enough that you’re going to smell it even from inside your house.
Make Sure the Team Has Access
Another thing to do is make sure that your team has access to your septic tank. Make sure the gate to your property is open, and move any vehicles that are parked in the driveway or on the way to the septic tank area.
Let the Septic Team Know of Any Problems
Before they start to work, tell the septic team about any problems. These would include backups, slow drains, bad smells and wet spots in the lawn that appear even when it hasn’t rained.
Your well-maintained septic system should last for decades. Inspections help to keep it functioning properly, and preparation makes them go quickly and easily. If you live in Muncie, IN or a surrounding area and need septic inspection services, make your first call to Happy & Clean Septic Rescue.
