A septic system is a complicated beast. It’s in our best interest to keep that beast happy, healthy and in good working order.
In a septic system’s elimination process, the drainfield serves as the beast’s digestive system. What goes in, must come out. Everything that goes down the drain gets sorted and eventually makes its way to the drainfield, where nature takes over. It’s really an amazing process.
But, in order to keep things working smoothly, we must keep the drainfield healthy. Here are six ways to do just that:
1. Understand Your System
Septic systems have two main components. First, the tank pretreats the wastewater. This “effluent” then passes into the second component, the drainfield, a series of perforated pipes buried in a large area nearby. As it slowly drains from these pipes into the ground, the soil becomes a natural filter and organisms in it further treat the waste.
2. Limit Water Usage
A drainfield cannot take unlimited amounts of water. Soon it will back up. Too much water will also inhibit its natural purifying effects. Divert roof drains and other sources of runoff away from the field and use automatic watering systems prudently.
3. Practice Water Conservation
Use recommended and common sense measures to avoid putting excessive water through the system.
- Don’t water plants during the hottest part of the day
- Incorporate rain-barrels for water collection
- Use updated, low-volume technology (toilets, showerheads, washing machines, etc.)
- Fix leaky faucets
4. Design Landscaping that Protects
The roots of trees or shrubs will entangle and damage your drainfield pipes. They must be planted at least 10 feet away. Before planting, check how wide and deep the roots of each type will grow. Grass is the best choice to plant over your drainfield because roots stay shallow, and it soaks up excess water. Don’t ever build anything or park vehicles on the drainfield.
5. Take Control of Your Septic Sludge
Sludge grows at the bottom of your tank when you dispose of solids, grease and non-degradable materials. If it accumulates to the point of getting into your drainfield, it will block the perforations and can stop the entire system from functioning. Have the tank checked on a regular basis to see if pumping is necessary. It’s best to have it professionally checked once a year.
6. Practice a Failure-Safe Approach
Maintaining your drainfield to perform at its best will ultimately mean fewer costs and headaches. Although the basic septic system process is designed to work naturally, it is best to work with experts to help keep your system healthy and foresee problems before they occur.
Look for a professional partner to keep your drainfield its healthiest. Paradise Septic has knowledgeable service technicians to help protect your system and give you the comfort of uninterrupted service. Let us know if we can help.