Living in a rural area can be amazing, but there is a very high chance that with that rural area comes a septic tank. These tanks can be great for disposing of wastewater for a property that is not connected to a municipal sewer line, but with this tank also comes the routine preparation and maintenance needed. This will not only help your tank last longer, but it will also keep it in much better shape for a longer period of time. Here are just a few tips to help with both of those. Be careful about what goes down the drain. If you want to take extra good care of your tank, you must manage what goes down the drain. Your septic tank can handle household wastewater. It is not, however, able to handle other household items. For example, flushing small toys, Q-tips, or anything else like that could lead to a major clog, therefore creating a backup in your septic line. If you question flushing it, then just throw it away. Regularly pump your septic tank. Typically, a septic tank can go several years before it needs to be pumped, but it is absolutely necessary to schedule this whenever it is needed. During those months and years, the wastewater and solid waste just continue to build up slowly in your system. By routinely having your tank pumped, you can prevent your tank from overflowing and causing a momentous disaster in your yard. Keep an eye out for needed maintenance. To make sure that your tank remains in proper working conditions, it’s a good idea to personally keep an eye out for potential maintenance troubles. For instance, if you smell sewage coming from your plumbing fixtures, this could be a sign that your septic tank is in need of immediate repairs or maintenance. If you are concerned with anything or just aren’t sure, please don’t hesitate to call!