If your home has its own septic system, you need to be careful about what you put down your drains. Here are a few simple changes that you can make around your home that will lessen the burden on your septic system and help keep it in good shape.

#1 Avoid The Garbage Disposal

It can be tempting to take all of your scraps after every meal, wash them down the sink, and let your garbage disposal break them up. However, it is important to keep in mind that your garbage disposal only breaks your scraps into smaller pieces; it does not eliminate them from your pipes. All those little pieces still have to go through your drain pipes and into your septic system.

Your septic system is going to have a hard time breaking up any grease, meat and bone scraps that make their way into your tank. Ease the burden on your garbage disposal, and put all plant-based scraps into a compost pile and all meat, grease and bone scraps into your trash can. 

Try to only use your garbage disposal to break up the scraps that get stuck to your plate and sneak into the drain; don't use it as your primary method of disposing of unwanted food.

#2 Control Your Water Usage

The next thing you need to do is control your water usage so that you are not sending too much water to your septic tank at the same time. One way to control your water usage to spread out the times you use large amounts of water. For example, by taking showers in the morning, running your dishwasher when you are at work, and washing clothes overnight, you spread out the amount of water that is going into your system all at once. 

Another way to control your water usage is by installing low usage water fixtures, such as a low usage shower-head or faucet. You can even purchase low water usage dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. These low usage items allow you to use less water for daily tasks without really even feeling like you are making a sacrifice at all. They will help you reduce your overall water consumption and reduce the amount of water that your septic tank has to process on a daily basis. 

#3 Switch To Natural Cleaners

Finally, your septic system uses bacteria to break down all the waste that is sent its way. When you use harsh cleaners in your sink and shower, those chemicals can disrupt the delicate balance that your septic system needs in order to function properly. Try to avoid using harsh cleaners whenever possible, and instead stick to more natural cleaners. You can clean your sinks, toilets and tubs with natural cleaners such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. Try using more gentle cleaners on a daily basis, and limit your use of harsh cleaners. This will help keep your septic system in balance. 

By following the three tips above, you should be able to ease the burden on your septic tank and help keep it in good shape. For help with your septic system, contact a company, like Honest John's Septic Service Inc.