How To Maintain Your Septic System
A septic system treats household wastewater and leaches environmentally friendly water into your yard. These systems don't cost much for maintenance and are easy to maintain. With proper care, we've seen them last for decades.
However, septic system failures are also very common. These often happen due to the negligence of the owners with regard to the system's maintenance. A septic system failure can cause serious groundwater pollution and can be expensive to repair.
Did you know? A properly maintained septic system can last 25-30 years or more, while a neglected system might fail in just 10-15 years. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of your system but also protects your property value and the environment.
For that reason, it is vital to maintain it properly. Following are a few ways through which you can easily carry out septic maintenance.
Use Water Efficiently
Water conservation should be practiced. You can increase the life of your drain field, reduce the likelihood of system failure, and avoid costly repairs simply by reducing and balancing your water use.
Following are a few things you can do in order to reduce water use:
- Make your showers shorter
- Make use of devices like high-efficiency toilets and faucet aerators that help in saving water
- Identify and repair leaky toilets as soon as possible - it's one of the main causes of water waste
- Spread out your laundry loads throughout the week instead of doing them all in one day
- Install water-efficient appliances when replacing old ones
These are a few of the ways through which you can easily save a lot of water. You need to identify where your water is being used the most and then try to reduce that usage as much as possible.
Get Your Septic System Inspected
Your septic system needs to be inspected at least once every three years. Even though other systems do need an inspection once every year, getting your septic system inspected once every three years is more than enough.
Pro Tip: Although some homeowners attempt to inspect their system themselves, we strongly advise against this due to health hazards from raw sewage. Additionally, most homeowners don't have access to sewer inspection cameras needed to properly examine the septic leach field.
Having a proper inspection of the system can help you prevent major issues and problems associated with poor maintenance of septic systems. Professional inspectors can identify early warning signs before they develop into costly problems.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Attention
- Slow drains throughout the house
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing
- Sewage odors inside or outside
- Wet, spongy ground around the drain field
- Unusually lush, green grass over the drain field
What Professional Inspectors Check
- Tank sludge and scum levels
- Signs of leakage or backup
- Condition of baffles and dividers
- Drain field performance
- Potential root intrusions
Pump Your Tank
When necessary, pump out your septic tank. Waiting until a problem arises is surely not a good idea. Septic tanks are generally pumped every three to five years for a typical household.
Regular pumping can avoid costly failures like a backed-up sewage line or a clogged drain field. When you use a garbage disposal, more solids will enter the septic tank, necessitating more frequent pumping.
Important: We commonly have clients call who just want to get their septic tank pumped. Unfortunately, this can be a temporary fix, as the septic system is designed to drain liquids into the drain field, and the drain field can fail. Make sure to follow your plumber's advice if they're recommending more than just a pump.
Protect The Drain field
Although drain fields do not require much maintenance, the small pores in the drain field can get clogged with biomat, and keep the drain field from working properly. Hydro-jetting can open these pores up again to make sure that your septic tank is draining properly.
Drain field Protection Tips
- Never park or drive vehicles over the drain field
- Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the drain field (roots can damage the system)
- Direct roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from the drain field
- Keep livestock away from the area
- Don't build structures (like sheds, patios, or pools) over the drain field
Take care to not move heavy equipment or vehicles on top of the drain field to ensure it lasts a long time. The soil around your drain field should remain undisturbed to maintain proper filtration and treatment.
What Not To Flush
Your septic system relies on natural bacteria to break down waste. Certain items can disrupt this process or clog your system when flushed or poured down drains.
Never Flush These Items
- Wipes (even those labeled "flushable")
- Paper towels or tissues
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
- Cat litter
- Cigarette butts
- Medications
Never Pour These Down Drains
- Cooking oil or grease
- Paint or paint thinners
- Harsh household chemicals
- Gasoline or motor oil
- Pesticides or fertilizers
- Antifreeze
- Excessive amounts of drain cleaners
Bottom Line
If you are serious about your septic system and want it to last for a long period of time, follow the aforementioned tips. Proper septic maintenance will not only help you save a lot of money but will also allow you to protect the environment and reduce groundwater pollution.
Remember that prevention is always less expensive than repair or replacement. By implementing these maintenance practices, you're making a smart investment in your property and ensuring your septic system functions efficiently for years to come.
If you're experiencing issues with your septic system or it's time for an inspection or pumping, don't hesitate to contact Plumb-All. Our experienced technicians can provide professional service to keep your system in optimal condition.
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