Prevention is key if you want to keep your septic tank running smoothly. Knowing there’s a problem with your septic tank and addressing it as quickly as possible can make a massive difference and save you thousands of dollars in costly repairs, not to mention keeping your home and your family safe from the dire consequences of malfunctioning septic systems.
But, fortunately, there are several ways in which you can protect your system.
Start by inspecting the tank each time it’s pumped to ensure there are no cracks in the tank that could allow effluent to leak out. You can also install an effluent filter on the tank outlet to prevent the carryover of solids into the absorption field.
Make sure you don’t drain pools or hot tubs into the septic system or over the drain field. Don’t connect your sump pump to your septic field. Keep in mind that planting deep-rooted plants, such as trees or shrubs over the drain field will most likely cause irreversible damage to it. Grass is the best cover for the field. Additionally, driving cars or other heavy equipment over the drain field will compact the soil around the pipes damaging them.
Also, avoid building, paving or setting heavy items like swimming pools, sheds, etc. over the drain field; these things will reduce the amount of oxygen your field needs to work efficiently. Mound the soil slightly over the drain field to encourage precipitation to run off the field rather than soaking into the field, and don’t put household chemicals like paint, solvents, oils or pesticides down the drain. A septic system is not designed to neutralize chemicals.
Reducing the water use in and around the house can also help with keeping your septic tank working well. Also, identifying the most common sign of issues with your septic tank can make a huge difference.
Pay attention to any gurgling sounds in the pipes when water is used or the toilet is flushed. Also, slow running or backing up drains may indicate a clog in the house pipes, the sewer pipe leading to the septic tank, the tank itself, the drain field or roof vent. If the ground over the drain field is mushy when you walk on it you might want to call for an expert. Another sign of a problem could be greener grass or fast-growing grass in areas of your garden other than the drain field, as usually the grass over the drain field is greener.
A failed septic system can contaminate the well water if they are in close proximity to each other, affecting your family’s and your health. Also, excessive weed growth or algae blooms in nearby ponds or drainage ditches may be the result of increased phosphorus or nitrogen from a failed septic getting into the surface water.
