Did you just purchase a new home with a septic tank? Is this your first experience with a septic tank as a waste removal system? A septic tank can be an effective and efficient way to remove waste from your home. Water is discharged onsite, so you don't have to deal with costly sewage lines that could deteriorate or become clogged. The septic system may also provide environmental benefits. 

That doesn't mean a septic system without risks though. If you fail to maintain it, the lines could clog, leading to odors or even waste coming back up through your drains and toilet. In a worst-case scenario, the tank could overflow, and the drain field could fail. Not only would you have some very unhappy neighbors, but you could also face the significant cost of replacing your drain field. 

Fortunately, you can avoid these risks with some simple preventative steps. Below are a few tips to consider with your new septic system.

Space out your water usage. The whole idea of the septic system is that water is that liquid is pushed from the tank to the drain field while solids decompose in the tank. If you flood the tank with too much water at once, the tank could back up, or the drain field could be overwhelmed. Try spacing out activities that create large amounts of liquid waste. For instance, don't do all your laundry in one day. Perhaps have some people in the house shower in the morning while others shower in the evening.

Be careful about what you flush. This should be true in any sewage system, but it's especially important for septic systems. Be careful about flushing solids that may be difficult to decompose. For example, wet wipes may say on the label that they're flushable, but they probably shouldn't go into your septic system. The same is true for diapers and feminine products. These items can stay in your tank for a long time and eventually lead to clogs.

Have your system regularly maintained. It's always a wise idea to have your system professionally maintained on a regular basis, even if you don't notice any smells or clogs. A septic system professional can reduce any potential clogs, clear your drainage pipes, and look for any issues that could arise in the future. A maintenance visit is sure to be far more affordable than the replacement of a drain field.

Most septic systems never have any issues if they're maintained properly. Contact a drain cleaning professional in your area to schedule your first maintenance visit. They give you more tips and advice on how to maintain your new septic system.