Septic System Maintenance Tips: Simple Steps to Protect Your System

A properly maintained septic system can provide many years of reliable service, but it does require regular care. Whether you are a new septic system owner or have had one for years, a few simple maintenance habits can help prevent costly problems and extend the life of your system.

At D&D Utility Supply, we want homeowners and septic professionals to have the information and supplies they need to keep septic systems operating properly.

1. Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Regularly

One of the most important things you can do for your septic system is have the tank pumped on a regular schedule.

How often a tank needs to be pumped depends on several factors, including:

• The size of the septic tank

• The number of people in the household

• The amount of wastewater generated

• The amount of solids entering the system

• Whether a garbage disposal is used

Waiting until you have a backup or sewage problem is not a good maintenance strategy. Regular pumping helps prevent solids from building up and entering the drainfield.

2. Protect Your Drainfield

The drainfield is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of a septic system.

Avoid driving vehicles or parking heavy equipment over the drainfield. Excessive weight can damage pipes and compact the soil, making it more difficult for the system to properly absorb wastewater.

You should also avoid building structures, installing patios, or placing large amounts of landscaping material over the drainfield unless the system was specifically designed for it.

Keep the area planted with grass or other appropriate shallow-rooted vegetation, and avoid deep-rooted trees and shrubs near septic components.

3. Be Careful About What Goes Down the Drain

Your septic system is designed to handle wastewater and human waste—not everything that can be washed down a drain.

Avoid flushing or pouring items such as:

• Grease and cooking oils

• Paper towels

• Wipes, even those labeled "flushable"

• Feminine hygiene products

• Harsh chemicals

• Paint and solvents

• Medication

• Cat litter

• Coffee grounds

A good rule is simple: If it wasn't designed to go down the drain, don't put it there.

4. Use Water Wisely

Your septic system can only process so much wastewater at one time. Large amounts of water entering the system too quickly can overload the tank and drainfield.

Consider spreading laundry throughout the week instead of doing multiple loads in one day. Repair leaking faucets and toilets, and consider installing water-efficient fixtures.

Reducing unnecessary water usage doesn't just help your septic system—it can also reduce your water bill.

5. Maintain Your Effluent Filter

If your septic system has an effluent filter, regular inspection and cleaning are important.

The effluent filter helps prevent solids from leaving the septic tank and entering the distribution system and drainfield. A clogged filter can restrict flow and potentially contribute to backups.

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations and your local health department's requirements for inspection and cleaning.

If you're unsure what type of filter your system uses, D&D Utility Supply can help you find the appropriate septic system components and supplies.

6. Don't Rely on Septic Additives to Replace Maintenance

There are many products marketed as ways to improve septic system performance or eliminate the need for pumping. These products should not be considered a replacement for proper septic system maintenance.

Your septic system is designed to naturally support the biological processes needed to treat wastewater. Regular inspections, pumping, proper water usage, and appropriate care are much more important than relying on a product to solve an underlying problem.

7. Know Where Your Septic Components Are Located

Every homeowner should know approximately where their septic tank, distribution components, and drainfield are located.

Keeping records of the system can make maintenance, inspections, pumping, and repairs much easier. If you purchase a home with a septic system and don't know where the components are located, contact a qualified septic professional or your local health department for assistance.

8. Watch for Warning Signs

Don't ignore changes in how your septic system is operating.

Some common warning signs include:

• Slow drains throughout the house

• Gurgling toilets or drains

• Sewage odors

• Standing water near the drainfield

• Unusually green or lush grass over the drainfield

• Sewage backups

• Plumbing fixtures that drain more slowly than usual

Addressing problems early can sometimes prevent a much larger and more expensive repair.

9. Follow Your Local Health Department's Requirements

Septic system requirements can vary depending on where you live. Local health departments may have specific requirements for inspections, pumping, laboratory testing, maintenance, and system operation.

When in doubt, check with your local health department or a qualified septic professional before making changes to your system.

10. Keep a Maintenance Record

Keeping a simple record of your septic system's maintenance can be extremely helpful.

Record things such as:

• Pumping dates

• Inspection dates

• Repairs

• Filter cleaning

• Laboratory testing

• System modifications

• Any unusual problems or symptoms

Good records can help you identify changes over time and can also be valuable if you sell your home.

Consider a Preventative Maintenance Contract

One of the easiest ways to stay on top of septic system maintenance is with a preventative maintenance contract.

At D&D Utility Supply, we supply preventative maintenance contracts designed to help septic system owners stay ahead of routine maintenance and avoid waiting until a problem occurs. A preventative maintenance plan can help keep important service items on a regular schedule and provide homeowners with greater peace of mind.

Instead of trying to remember when your system needs to be serviced, a preventative maintenance contract can help take the guesswork out of keeping your septic system maintained.

Contact D&D Utility Supply to learn more about our preventative maintenance contracts and find out which option may be appropriate for your septic system.

Keep Your Septic System Working for Years to Come

Septic system maintenance doesn't have to be complicated. Regular pumping, responsible water use, protecting the drainfield, maintaining filters, and paying attention to warning signs can go a long way toward protecting your investment.

At D&D Utility Supply, we're here to help septic professionals and homeowners find the supplies, components, and maintenance solutions they need to properly maintain and service septic systems.

Have questions about septic system supplies or preventative maintenance? Contact D&D Utility Supply—we're happy to help.