Essential Dos and Don’ts of Maintaining Your Septic System

If you own a home, you likely understand that there’s a certain amount of maintenance involved with keeping everything functioning and looking nice. You probably mow your lawn, pull weeds and paint your house. But have you ever thought about the proper ways of maintaining your septic system?

When functioning correctly, septic systems offer a crucial service. They take wastewater away from your home and store it safely and sanitarily. But septic systems aren’t indestructible, nor are they garbage cans. Here are some septic system dos and don’ts that are essential to maintaining a healthy septic system.

Do

There are several things you should do to preserve your septic system. What follows is a non-exhaustive list.

Conserve water when you can

Taking this simple step is not only good for the environment, but it’s beneficial to your septic system too. This is because, when you conserve water, it doesn’t overtax the system. You can conserve water by spreading out your laundry loads over multiple days, fixing leaks promptly, using low flow toilets and turning the water off when you brush your teeth.

Have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly

For this, you should contact a licensed septic system contractor. This crucial process is the only way you can remove sludge and grease from your system, and it’s the best way to prolong the life of your septic system. The suggested frequency is every three years, although if your home uses a lot of water, you could have it inspected more frequently.

Know exactly where your septic system and its components are located

You must know the precise location of your septic system and its drain field. This knowledge will be useful to you and any maintenance technicians who perform work on your home. A detailed sketch or map could be a helpful reminder you could use.

Don’t

Here’s an admittedly incomplete list of what you shouldn’t do to your septic system.

Flush certain items

Refrain from using your toilet and sink as garbage cans, because your septic system isn’t equipped to handle every type of waste item. Here are some things you should never flush or put down the sink:

• “Flushable” wipes
• Diapers
• Paint or other harsh chemicals
• Kitty litter
• Grease or oils from cooking
• Medications
• Paper towels
• Condoms
• Cigarette butts
• Coffee grounds
• Feminine hygiene products

Drive or park vehicles over the septic system or drain field

Your septic system and drain field aren’t meant to have thousands of pounds bearing down on the soil above them, so avoid this to save your septic system.

Plant anything with deep root systems over the septic system or drain field

While you should plant grass over the drain field, planting trees or other flora that have extensive root systems can compromise your drain lines.

Try to fix or access your septic system yourself

Attempting to work on your septic system without professional assistance and the proper permits is not only illegal, but also extremely dangerous. There’s a reason why septic system professionals need licenses, and it’s because inhaling the gases upon entering a septic system can be fatal.

Call for septic system service today

Hopefully these septic system dos and don’ts can help you in maintaining your septic system. If you do ever have problems with it, give Countryside Construction Inc. a call. We have 40 years of industry experience and an excellent reputation, and we’re dedicated to ensuring you and your family have a healthy and functioning wastewater disposal system.

Categorised in: Septic Services, Septic System Maintenance

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