If your home has a septic system, you may already take steps to maintain it, such as having it pumped out every so often. However, there are three everyday habits that could be damaging your septic tank.

Draining Grease in Your Kitchen Sink

If you cook a lot of ground beef and other types of meat, you may be in the habit of draining off the grease in your sink. You may even run hot water and a little dish soap down the drain to make sure it does not stick to the drain and pipes. However, this preventative measure will not protect your septic system.

Once the grease reaches the septic tank, it solidifies on top of the existing waste material. Since grease does not break down as quickly as human waste or small food particles, it can build up into a large mass, taking up room in the tank and eventually making it overflow.

Flushing Anything Besides Toilet Paper

When using personal hygiene products, you may read on the package that the manufacturer claims the wipes or feminine care products are safe to flush. While these products may be safe for regular plumbing that leads to a sewer, they are not safe to use with your septic tank.

The septic tank is designed to work by causing the rapid decomposition of waste materials. However, when you flush anything other than waste or toilet paper, these items do not break down quickly. Their bulk can stop up the septic system, making the tank leak and clogging up the sewage pipes.

Using Your Garbage Disposal for Everything

If you have a garbage disposal, you may love the convenience of not having to scrape off your plates completely before washing them. You can simply rinse the food down the drain. However, you may be overdoing it if you tend to clean out pans half full of food.

The garbage disposal is designed to break down small amounts of food. These tiny food particles are all right for the septic tank. However, if you send massive amounts of food through the garbage disposal and into the septic tank, the system can become overburdened with the large amounts of solid waste.

Avoiding the above habits can help you prolong the times between pumpings and extend the life of your septic tank. However, if you start having problems with clogged drains or seeping sewage, contact a septic tank repair service so they can inspect the system and see what needs to be done to fix any issues. For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.mrbobs.com.