Regular maintenance and inspections will keep your septic system running well without any need for costly repairs or replacements. How often you schedule a maintenance and inspection can vary depending on the size of the system and local regulations. The following tips can help make the process much quicker, easier, and cost-effective. 

1. Mark Access Clearly

Knowing where your access locations are for the tank is very important. The maintenance service must know where they are in order to service your tank. If their location is unknown, then you will need to pay extra for them to access the location, which can be time-consuming depending on your property and the last time the tanks were accessed. 

2. Install Risers

Risers are one way that you can make access to the system easier. Risers elevate the septic access so that it sits above the lawn. Dirt and plants won't grow over the lids, so it's always easy to find the access points and open them up without any time-consuming digging or preparation. Risers are relatively inexpensive and simple to install if you prefer to DIY this part of the process, but your maintenance service can also install them for you. 

3. Control Your Landscaping

Overgrown landscaping can make maintenance of the system more difficult. Keep plants and grass trimmed back from the septic access lids as well as any other above-ground components of the system. Not only does this ease access, but it also ensures that plants and roots don't damage any components. Tree roots, for example, can damage septic lines and destroy the drain field.

4. Protect the Drain field

The drain field is a vital component in your septic system — if it fails, everything fails. Make sure it is clearly marked so that you don't drive or park on it. Trees and other deep-rooted plants must not be planted on or near the drain field either. Most homeowners just leave it as a grassy area, since mowing it and walking on it are perfectly fine. Further, ensure that the drain field is included in your regular septic system inspections.

5. Keep Records

Keep detailed records of every septic inspection, maintenance, or repair visit. Include details such as what was done during the visit and what parts were replaced or upgraded. Your service should provide you with itemized receipts to make this task easier. If you ever sell your home, you may be required to show the septic records to the prospective buyer or their lender. 

For more information, check out this website, http://sullivanseptic.net, or similar websites.