5 Do’s and Don’ts of Septic System Maintenance

If you have a septic system, you probably know that maintenance of it is crucial. If you neglect this aspect of home ownership, it can lead to some expensive plumbing problems. Maybe you don’t know much about how to take care of your septic system if you’ve never had one before, though.

You can always contact Caldwell Plumbing if you’re having issues with your septic tank or some other part of the system. You should also have some do’s and don’ts of system maintenance in mind, though, so let’s go over five of those right now.

Get Rainwater Runoff Away from Your Drainfield

The drainfield is the place where you disperse the wastewater runoff from a septic system that is functioning correctly. If you don’t do this, then you can get backup in your floor drains, toilets that don’t flush the way they should, or slow drains throughout your home. 

However, too much wastewater directed into your drainfield can flood it. That is why you should redirect rainwater runoff so that it goes somewhere other than your leach field. 

Limit How Much Water Your Home Uses 

You want to use as much water in your home so you can live comfortably. That being said, too much wastewater can overwhelm even the most robust septic systems.

Limiting water usage can certainly help you in this regard, but you should also be sure to buy the proper-sized tank. If you often have guests in your home, you will probably need a larger tank. Measuring how many gallons of wastewater your home disposes of in a typical day can let you know what size tank to get.

Maintain Your Drainfield

The drainfield features a series of pipes that disperse water slowly and steadily into the soil. You can make sure this system continues functioning correctly by not parking heavy vehicles on top of your leach field. 

By avoiding putting too much weight on this field, you can prevent many common problems with your septic system. Consider marking your drainfield to make sure no one parks on it.

Inspect Your System for Leaks and Cracks Regularly

Inspecting the system for leaks and cracks is something you should do every month, at a minimum. If you have a leaking tank, thick, lush grass will probably grow in that spot because of all the nutrients present in the soil. You might also notice a foul odor.

Getting a professional to look at your system every year is also helpful. A pro might spot some signs of a leak or crack that you overlooked.

Set Up a Tank Pumping and Cleaning Schedule

This is perhaps the most vital thing you can do as a home septic system owner. Establishing a relationship with a plumbing professional who knows all about septic systems is a must.

You should pump out your septic tank every 2-5 years. Your tank’s size and how many people live in your home will help you more easily determine how often this action is necessary.