Many Americans rely on septic tanks to manage their household waste—and every year, thousands of them experience problems that could have been prevented. With regular maintenance and proper septic tank care, your system will run smoothly and keep your home’s plumbing working properly for decades. According to the team at Great Bear Septic Service in Mahopac, NY, making a few simple changes to your daily habits and maintenance routine can help you avoid messy and expensive problems with your system. Here, they explain a few of the most common mistakes homeowners make with their septic tanks.

Postponing Cleaning Service

Routine septic pumping prevents issues like overflowing and sewage backups. Most tanks should be pumped about every three years, though this may fluctuate depending on the unit’s capacity and your family’s usage. Keep a record of the last cleaning, so you know when you are due for another service. This is the simplest and most effective way to keep your septic system and plumbing running efficiently.

Flushing Inappropriate Materials

Your toilet is not a garbage can. Everyone knows it, yet every year, septic systems get clogged with items like cat litter, paper towels, cooking grease, coffee grounds, and diapers that get flushed down toilets. These materials are not meant to go into your septic tank because they can clog the pipes on the way down. Only toilet paper should go near the bathroom drain.

Wasting Water

Reducing water use is not only beneficial to the environment, but it can also help protect your septic tank. The less water there is in the system, the less work it has to do, reducing the risk of a malfunction. Consider replacing older toilets with high-efficiency models that can save almost 4 gallons per flush—that’s a lot of water to keep out of your waste management system.

Following these steps reduces the risk of a septic tank problem, but if an emergency arises or you’re due for a cleaning, you can count on the experts at Great Bear Septic Service. With over 31 years of industry experience, they provide high-quality work and excellent customer service to take care of area homes quickly. Call (845) 621-0250 or visit their website to schedule your service today.