Caring for your septic system is one of the best ways to protect your family and the environment from the harmful effects of wastewater. Septic systems are designed to treat and discharge wastewater into the soil. A septic system can be expensive to install, but it’s one of the least expensive methods of sewage treatment available. They provide a safe, reliable way to dispose of wastewater.
When you have a septic tank, you will need to take care of it so that it continues to work effectively for the duration of its service life. Here are some tips on how Santa Rosa homeowners can care for their septic systems.
Routine Inspections and Pumping
A routine inspection of your septic system should be done every three years. During these visits, professionals check for problems with your piping and tanks and signs of soil erosion around the field. They also look for signs that you’re overloading your system by using too many products that contain chemicals. If they find problems, they may tell you how to fix them or suggest other measures to take before allowing you to use your system again.
Avoid Planting Over Your Septic Field
Planting over your septic field is not recommended because the roots can grow through the drain field and clog it up. Your septic system will have to be repaired or replaced if this happens. Leave at least 18 inches between plants and drains, so that roots don’t interfere with them. You should avoid planting over your septic system as much as possible, so there is always adequate space for proper drainage.
Identify and Fix Leaks Promptly
Septic systems are designed to handle waste on a small scale, but leaks can cause problems like foul odors and poor drainage. If you have leaky pipes or other problems with your septic system, you should identify and repair them immediately before damage occurs. If water from your bathroom sinks or toilets gets into your basement, you may have a leak in your septic system. If left untreated, it could lead to flooding in your yard or basement as well as damage to other parts of your home’s plumbing system and the surrounding environment.
Maintain the Drain Field
The drain field includes pipes, gravel, and a soakaway bed near your home. The soakaway bed is a layer of sand, gravel, or crushed stone that absorbs wastewater from the drain field. This water moves through the absorbent material until it reaches the bottom of the soakaway bed, draining into the ground. The size and shape of the drain field depend on how many people live in your home and how much water flows through it each day.
Don’t Flush Trash
You should never flush things other than toilet paper down the toilet. Flushing anything else can damage your septic system by clogging pipes or causing backups in drains outside your home. Toilets are designed only to handle toilet paper; everything else should be disposed of properly in garbage cans or recycling bins. Anything that is not biodegradable should be disposed of in another way.
Having troubles with your septic system and looking for quality septic tank pumping services in Santa Rosa? From septic tank pumping to tank cleaning and inspection to leak detection and repair, Just-in Time Septic Pumping has got you covered. To book your service, call (707) 824-2837 today.
