Septic System Do's and Don'ts: A Homeowner’s Guide to Proper Usage
If you have a septic system, you must know the basic septic system do's and don'ts to avoid costly repairs or inconvenient malfunctions. In fact, life would be so much easier if someone had just created a homeowner's guide to proper usage of septic systems, right? Since this system handles all the wastewater from your home, mismanaging it can lead to backups, foul odors, and even serious environmental damage.
If you are wondering what to do and what to avoid to have a functioning septic system, we can tell you all about it. At Townes Septic Service, we offer:
Sewer camera inspection service
Septic tank pumping
Sewer line cleaning
Septic inspection
Septic system design
Septic tank repair and maintenance
Septic system installation
With over 60 years of experience in the field, we can help you learn more about daily habits and the must-dos of regular upkeep. Read this entire guide to learn common mistakes and make smart choices that benefit your system and wallet.
Understanding Your Septic System
This underground wastewater treatment structure is typically used in areas without centralized sewer systems. It treats wastewater from household plumbing, including water from toilets, showers, sinks, and appliances.
The tank collects and holds the solid waste, allowing the wastewater to flow into the drain field, where it’s filtered through the soil. Proper maintenance of both parts is essential to avoid system failure, environmental hazards, and costly repairs.
The Top 10 Septic System Do’s
To ensure your septic system works efficiently and lasts for years, here are the top 10 essential practices you should follow.
Schedule Regular Pumping
Over time, solid waste accumulates in the tank, and if left too long, it can clog the drain field or cause the system to back up into your home. Generally, it would be best to have your septic tank pumped every 3 to 5 years. Factors like your household size and how often you use the septic system must be considered. Regular pumping prevents overflow and ensures that your system functions properly.
Conserve Water Usage
Too much water overwhelms your septic system. It can cause untreated waste to flow into the drain field, leading to contamination and system failure. To avoid this, practice water conservation habits such as installing low-flow toilets, taking shorter showers, fixing leaks promptly, and spacing out water-heavy activities like laundry and dishwashing. Apart from improving your septic system, it will lower your utility bills.
Know the Location of Your Septic System
This knowledge helps you avoid damaging the system when landscaping, building, or parking vehicles. Many homeowners accidentally damage their septic system by digging or driving over it. Keep a detailed map of your septic system’s location and mark it in your yard so you don’t accidentally disturb it.
Inspect the System Annually
While your septic system doesn’t require constant attention, an annual inspection is highly recommended. A professional septic service can check for leaks, measure the sludge and scum layers in the tank, and ensure the drain field is functioning properly.
Repair Leaks Quickly
Any leaks in your plumbing, whether in faucets, toilets, or pipes, can cause excess water to enter your septic system, which may lead to overloading. A dripping faucet might appear to be a small problem, but extra water can stress your system and reduce efficiency. Even small leaks add up over time, causing unnecessary strain on your system.
Use Septic-Safe Products
Many household cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can destroy the natural bacterial balance in the tank. Choose biodegradable and non-toxic products only. Avoid products with phosphates, antibacterial agents, and bleach, as these can kill the helpful bacteria your system relies on to function properly.
Direct Drainage Away from Your Drain Field
The drain field is the main part of the septic system, and it needs to be kept dry for it to function properly. Ensure that rainwater from downspouts, gutters, and sump pumps is diverted away from it. Excess water can saturate the soil, preventing it from effectively filtering the wastewater.
Use a Garbage Disposal Sparingly
While garbage disposals are convenient, they add extra solid waste to your septic tank, which can increase the frequency of pumping and clog the system. When using a septic system, it’s best to avoid relying on your garbage disposal for food scraps. Composting is a better option for handling organic waste, reducing the amount of solid material entering your septic tank.
Educate Your Household
Ensure that everyone in your household understands how to properly care for the septic system: what cannot be flushed, conserving water, and being mindful of chemical use. The more your family knows about septic system care, the better your system will perform. That said, regularly remind everyone of the best practices.
Dispose of Waste Responsibly
Flushing sanitary products, wipes, diapers, or paper towels will clog your septic system and cause severe damage. Place a waste bin in each bathroom to ensure accurate disposal of non-flushable stuff.
What Not to Do With Your Septic System
Now that you know how to take care of your septic system, you should also know what not to do with it if you want to keep it in top shape. Here's what to avoid when you have a septic system:
Don't Flush Non-Degradable Items
Household members often flush items that are not biodegradable, such as sanitary wipes, feminine hygiene products, or diapers. These materials can damage the system, so dispose of them in a trash bin instead of flushing them.
Don't Use Chemical Drain Cleaners
These can wreak havoc on your septic system by destroying the beneficial bacteria. Instead, use a plunger or a mechanical snake to clear clogs, or contact a professional for assistance.
Don't Park on Your Drain Field
Placing heavy equipment on your drain field can destroy the pipes that carry wastewater. The drain field is designed to filter and absorb wastewater, but compacted soil reduces its ability to do this effectively. Avoid driving or parking over your drain field to maintain its efficiency and prevent future complications.
Don't Overuse Your Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals add unnecessary solid waste to your septic tank. Even though they grind up food, the organic waste still contributes to the sludge layer in your tank. This extra waste can lead to more frequent pumping and potential clogs. If you have a septic system, use your garbage disposal sparingly and consider composting food scraps instead.
Don't Ignore Warning Signs
Neglecting slow drains, gurgling sounds, water pooling around your drain field, and not contacting a septic professional can lead to more severe issues.
Don't Plant Trees Near Your Septic System
Your septic system is an ideal target for trees. Roots can grow into the septic tank or drain field pipes, causing cracks, blockages, and damage that can be expensive to repair. Don't plant trees with aggressive root systems near your septic tank to prevent these issues. Instead, opt for grass or shallow-rooted vegetation.
Don't Pour Grease or Oil Down Drains
Cooking grease and oil may be liquid when hot, but they harden as they cool, forming clogs in your plumbing and septic system. Grease can also cause a layer of scum to build up in your septic tank, which can block the system and prevent wastewater from being properly treated. Avoid pouring grease and oil down the drain to keep your system clear.
Don't Use Excessive Water in a Short Time
Water-heavy appliances should not be used at the same time. Doing several loads of laundry in a row, for example, can flood the system with more water than it can handle, leading to backups or even a system failure. Septic systems function best when wastewater is released gradually. If too much water is sent into the tank at once, the solids don't have time to separate from the liquids, which can lead to untreated water being pushed into the drain field.
This can cause soil saturation, water pooling on the surface, and environmental contamination. Simple habits like spreading out laundry loads throughout the week or waiting between running large appliances help ensure your system isn't overwhelmed.
Don't Install In-Ground Pools Near Your System
Building in-ground pools or large outdoor structures too close to your septic system can disturb the drain field, leading to severe damage. The extra weight and ground disturbance can compact the soil and crush the system's pipes. Furthermore, construction can unintentionally disrupt the absorption field. Always consult a septic professional before installing large structures near your septic system. Maintaining a safe distance between your pool and septic system is important to prevent accidental damage.
Don't Ignore Professional Advice
After an inspection or maintenance visit, a professional may give you specific recommendations to help optimize your septic system's performance. This could include advice on water usage, necessary repairs, or timing for your next pumping. Ignoring this advice can result in serious system failure. Always follow the guidance of your septic professional—after all, they have the experience and expertise to keep your system in its best condition.
Take Action Now: Schedule Your Septic Service Today!
Whether you're looking for routine maintenance, emergency repairs, or expert advice, our team of professionals has the experience and tools to ensure that your system operates efficiently and safely.
Don't wait until your septic system fails—contact Townes Septic Service for expert inspections, routine pumping, or urgent repairs. Protect your home and the environment by maintaining your septic system. Call us today to schedule your service and ensure your septic system is in good hands!
FAQs
Is it okay to use a garbage disposal?
You should use your garbage disposal sparingly. Excess food waste increases the solid load in your septic tank, requiring more frequent pumping and risking blockages.
How can I conserve water with a septic system?
Simple habits like using water-efficient fixtures, spreading out laundry loads, and fixing leaks can help reduce the stress on your septic system.
Can heavy rain damage my septic system?
Excessive rain can saturate the soil around your drain field, preventing the proper filtration of wastewater. Ensure your drain field is in a well-drained area, and divert excess rainwater away from it.