Keep The Septic Area Clear

The septic drain field allows pre-treated water from the septic tank to discharge and filter through the soil. If the drain field is covered in excess, standing water, it won’t be able to do its job and can potentially cause a back-up in the septic tank. To locate the drain field, start by locating the location of your septic tank. From there, look for an area on the property that is clear of rocks and trees or identify an area of the lawn that has noticeably green stripes that stand out from the rest of the lawn. Once the drain field has been located, take a photo or leave a nearby reference point that doesn’t block the area.

To help ensure the septic area continues to be able to discharge water, don’t use the area for parking guest cars, riding dirt bikes or go-carts, or hosting water activities. Also, don’t drain above ground pools near it. The whole area around the drain field and septic tank should be kept free of traffic to avoid damaging any parts. While this is important year-round, it’s especially so during the summer when storms can result in flooding. Marking off the area with ground stakes and some safety tape can help convey that this area is off-limits.

Be Mindful Of Landscaping

Revitalizing your landscape with flowers, shrubs, and trees can be a great way to beautify your property, but it pays to be mindful of where you’re planting. Greenery with fast-growing roots will seek out water sources to sustain their growth and this can include septic tanks, drain fields, and septic lines. Once roots take hold, they can potentially damage the septic system, resulting in an expensive bill and a major headache as the septic system is repaired or replaced. Make sure to keep plants far enough away from the septic system by doing a little bit of research before planting to see how much room the roots will need to grow long term. 

Be careful when it comes to routine lawn maintenance — summer storms can erode dirt from septic lines, causing them to be more exposed. A riding lawn mower can put too much pressure on septic lines and cause cracks or breakage, resulting in leaks or back-ups. Make sure to be aware of where your septic system is and inform your landscaping company before they begin any work on the lawn.

Moderate Septic Use

More people in the house means more sink and toilet use. While your septic system should be able to handle a lot of water, too much can cause issues. To help ease the amount of water the septic system is handling at any one time, try to space out when you are doing water-heavy activities. Instead of throwing a load of clothes into the wash right before guests arrive, do laundry a day before or after to give the septic system time to recover. Also, try to avoid doing activities that require a lot of water at the same time. Running the dishwasher, using the washing machine, and emptying a bathtub simultaneously can be taxing for the septic system.  

It’s important to understand how to care for your septic system. One way to ensure your septic system stays in good shape is to be aware of what is being flushed down the drains. This is especially important if you have more children in your home. Make sure that everyone knows not to flush anything besides toilet paper and human waste. Toys, coffee grounds, grease, tampons, or anything else not designated to go down the drain can cause blockages and damage the septic system.

Schedule Routine Septic Maintenance 

Keeping your septic system in good working order can help stave off problems further down the line. Experts say that the septic system should be pumped approximately every two to three years. If your septic system hasn’t been pumped within this timeframe, it’s time to schedule a septic tank pumping from a professional septic service company. If you do find yourself in need of repairs, contact our septic tank company today.