What should homeowners monitor to maintain their septic system properly?

Monitoring the frequency of water usage in the household is crucial for proper septic system maintenance. Excessive water use can overwhelm the septic system, leading to inadequate treatment of wastewater and potential system failure. By keeping track of water usage, homeowners can identify trends that might indicate issues, such as leaks or inefficient appliances, which can then be addressed before they escalate into significant problems.

Additionally, maintaining a balance in water usage helps ensure that the septic tank does not become overloaded, allowing for optimal operation. Since a septic system relies on the natural processes of settling solids and separating liquids, a sudden influx of water can disrupt these processes, potentially leading to backups and costly repairs.

The other factors, while they may play roles in overall upkeep or inform homeowners about their septic systems, do not directly affect the system's functionality in the same immediate and critical way that monitoring water usage does.