Septic System Care Tips for Pet Owners

A functional and efficient septic tank is a must-have for a comfortable and healthy home. The septic system is where all the wastewater from your home goes. That includes water from your toilets, showers, sinks, and laundry.

Property owners must strive to keep their septic tanks in tip-top shape. And part of mindful septic system care is knowing what can and cannot go into the system. Pet owners, in particular, must take extra care of their septic tanks. Discover how pets can affect your septic system and see some tips to prevent damage.

Pet Hair

Your adorable fur baby is probably one of the main reasons you have a clogged septic tank.

Pet hair takes forever to break down, so when the hair enters the drain system, the fur can quickly clog the pipes. As a result, wastewater will have nowhere to go but back up into your home.

To prevent this problem, brush your pet often to get rid of loose hair. Also, since pets shed most fur when bathing, invest in a screen or drain cover to catch any hair before it enters the system.

Pet Food

Just like human food, pet food contains particles that can contribute to a blocked system. First, pet foods expand when mixed with water. When this happens inside your septic tank, the food can take up too much space. Accordingly, these bits of pet food can clog the pipes and prevent wastewater from draining properly.

To keep your septic system functioning well, dispose of pet food properly. For example, do not throw leftover pet food into the sink or toilet; instead, put the waste in the trash can.

You may also get an automatic pet feeder to help control the amount of food your pet eats and allow it to dispense food outside.

Pet Products

From shampoos to pest control treatments, you must be mindful of the chemicals in your pet's products. Some products contain harsh chemicals that can kill the helpful bacteria inside your septic tank.

These bacteria help to break down solid waste, so your system will not function properly without the bacteria. Therefore, only use eco-friendly products around your home.

Pet wipes are also a big no-no for septic systems. While most pet owners use wipes to keep their pets clean, these wipes do not disintegrate like toilet paper. As a result, the wipes can quickly clog your pipes and cause a backup.

Pet Waste

Animal feces, unlike human waste, do not decompose quickly. In addition, animal waste can contain harmful bacteria that compromise the septic's efficiency. The reason is that when the bacteria from animal feces enter the system, they can kill the good bacteria in the septic tank.

As a result, solids will not decompose and will build up in the tank. This problem can cause your septic system to fail prematurely.

In addition, pet waste may contain hair and grass that can further clog the system. To avoid these problems, clean up after your pet and dispose of the waste properly. For example, put the waste in a trash bag and place it in a garbage can with a lid. You may also designate a specific area in your yard for your pet to relieve themselves.

While pets are amazing family members, they can quickly wreak havoc on your septic system. Septic care gets easier with the tips above, and most importantly, when you invest in regular septic tank pumping and cleaning services.

The Nibbler® Company is your trusted partner for wastewater treatment services. From septic tank installation to inspection and maintenance, you can count on us to keep your system running smoothly when you have pets. Contact us to learn more about our services.