5 Essential Tips to Keep Your Septic System Running Smoothly in Commerce, GA

Your septic system is one of the most important (and expensive) parts of your home, yet it’s often the most ignored—until something goes wrong. And trust us, when it goes wrong, it goes REALLY wrong. No one wants sewage backing up into their yard or, worse, their home.

The good news? Keeping your septic system in top shape isn’t rocket science. With a few simple maintenance habits, you can avoid costly repairs and nasty surprises.

At Septic Plus, we’ve seen it all—from tanks that haven’t been pumped in over a decade (yikes) to drainfields destroyed by unsuspecting homeowners. We’re here to save you the headache with five essential tips to keep your system healthy and trouble-free.

1. Pump Your Septic Tank Before It’s Too Late

Think of your septic tank like a trash can—it fills up over time. If you don’t empty it regularly, it will overflow into your drainfield (or worse, back into your home).

👉 How often should you pump?

• Every 3-5 years for a typical household

• More often if you have a large family or heavy water usage

Skipping this step could lead to sewage backups, foul odors, and a system failure that costs thousands to fix. Don’t wait until there’s a problem—schedule regular pumping with a professional (like us!).

🚨 Pro Tip: If you’re in Commerce, GA, or the surrounding areas, we offer affordable septic pumping and maintenance. Call Septic Plus at 770-472-7587 to book your service!

2. Watch What You Flush (Seriously, Just Stop It)

Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing the wrong things is one of the fastest ways to kill your septic system.

🚫 NEVER flush:

• Baby wipes (even if they say “flushable”)

• Paper towels or tissues

• Feminine hygiene products

• Cooking grease or oils

• Harsh chemicals (bleach, drain cleaners, antibacterial soaps)

These items don’t break down in your tank, leading to clogs, backups, and expensive repairs. Stick to toilet paper and human waste ONLY—everything else belongs in the trash!

3. Be Smart About Water Usage

Your septic system can only handle so much water at once. If you overload it, it won’t be able to properly treat waste—which means trouble.

💧 How to conserve water & protect your septic system:

✅ Fix leaky faucets and running toilets

✅ Use high-efficiency appliances (washing machines, dishwashers)

✅ Spread out laundry loads instead of doing them all in one day

✅ Take shorter showers (sorry, but your septic system doesn’t love 30-minute showers as much as you do)

Too much water at once can overwhelm your system, forcing solids into the drainfield and leading to failure. A little mindfulness now can save you big bucks later.

4. Protect Your Drainfield Like Your Lawn Depends on It

Your drainfield is where the magic happens—it filters wastewater back into the soil. But if it gets damaged, your entire system is toast.

🚜 DON’T:

❌ Park vehicles or heavy equipment on it

❌ Build patios, sheds, or driveways over it

❌ Plant deep-rooted trees or bushes nearby (roots can clog pipes)

✅ DO:

✔ Keep it clear of excess water runoff

✔ Plant grass over it to prevent erosion

✔ Make sure downspouts direct water AWAY from it

If your drainfield fails, you could be looking at tens of thousands in repair costs. Treat it with care, and it’ll take care of you!

5. Use Septic-Safe Products (Or Risk Killing Your System)

Your septic system relies on natural bacteria to break down waste. If you pour in the wrong chemicals, you’ll kill those bacteria, leaving your tank full of sludge that won’t go anywhere.

🧴 Choose septic-safe:

✅ Toilet paper (avoid ultra-thick, multi-ply brands)

✅ Cleaning products (natural, biodegradable, non-toxic)

✅ Laundry detergents (low-sudsing, no phosphates)

If a product contains bleach, ammonia, or antibacterial ingredients, it’s too harsh for your septic system. Switch to septic-friendly products to keep your system running smoothly!

🔥Final Thoughts: Take Care of Your Septic System, and It’ll Take Care of You

Septic problems are a nightmare—but they’re completely avoidable with proper maintenance.

At Septic Plus, we help homeowners in Commerce, GA, and surrounding areas keep their septic systems running like new. From routine pumping to repairs and drainfield solutions, we’ve got you covered.

📞 Need septic service? Call us today at 770-472-7587!

🌐 Visit www.septicplusga.com to learn more.

👉 Don’t wait until you have a sewage disaster—schedule your maintenance NOW!