If you've got a septic system, you know how important it is to take good care of it, which includes having it pumped about once every three to five years. However, what you might not know is that there are some issues around the house that could be setting you up for major septic problems later. Here are three problems you should take care of before you're faced with septic failure.

Leaky Pipes in Your Home

If you've got leaky pipes in your house, you're doing more than wasting water. You're also endangering your septic system. According to the EPA, the average household's leaks waste about 10,000 gallons of water every year. If those leaks are from toilets, sinks, or tubs, all that water is being drained into your septic tank. Unfortunately, excess water can lead to flooding, sewage backups, and system failure. Before you're faced with any of those problems, make sure you take care of the leaks in your home.

Garbage Disposal Overuse

The garbage disposal is a quick and easy way to get rid of left-over food waste. It's also a quick and easy way to ruin your septic system. While occasional use of your garbage disposal won't harm your septic system, overuse can cause serious problems. First, the ground up food waste adds to the amount of solids that are stored in your septic system's containment tank.

If you use your garbage disposal too much, you may need to have your septic tank emptied more often. Second, each time you use your garbage disposal, small particles of food gets stuck inside your drains. Over time, you could start seeing more clogs in your sinks. Be kind to your septic system. Scrape those plates into the trashcan instead of using your garbage disposal.

Mature Trees in Your Yard

If you've got mature trees in your yard, especially near your septic field, the roots could be undermining the integrity of your sewage lines. Roots will spread out through your yard looking for water. Once they reach your septic system, they'll find their way inside the sewage pipes and seepage field. If they're allowed to continue growing, they'll destroy the pipes and cause your seepage field to fail. Protect your septic system and have the sewage pipes inspected for root growth about once a year.

Don't let small problems turn into major septic damage. Help your septic system last longer by taking care of the problems listed above. For more information, contact a professional in your area or visit a website like http://www.mrbobs.com.

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