Do you own a property with a septic system? Well maintained and properly functioning septic systems provide effective onsite wastewater treatment, allow groundwater to be recharged onsite, and makes more clean water available for all of us to use. Septic systems also treat the effluent naturally and allow water to seep into the ground, which keeps moisture on site to help plants grow and replenish the water supply.
Proper care and maintenance of septic systems can help keep homeowners and their neighbors healthy and protect drinking water and our environment. For homeowners, proper care can also prevent costly repairs or replacement of systems, protect property values, and conserve water.
Check out these useful SepticSmart tips:
- Protect It and Inspect It: In general, homeowners should have their system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have their tank pumped when necessary, generally every three to five years.
- Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain, which can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
- Don’t Overload the Commode: Ask guests to only to put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. For example, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
- Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Consider fixing plumbing leaks and installing faucet aerators and water-efficient products, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system if it hasn’t been pumped recently.
- Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.
