Educational

Recommended pumping frequency from Cooperative Extension Office

Proper care and maintenance is more than periodic pumping.We get the call all too often, and twice on Sunday. “My septic system is failing. Can you look at it and tell me what to do?” Sure we can. But wouldn’t it have been nice to avoid the problem altogether?

Proper care and maintenance will prevent most failures. Proper care and maintenance means:

Let the system breath – A drainfield needs oxygen to work properly. Don’t cover the drainfield with anything that will compact the soil or restrict air contact with the ground. Even lawn watering keeps air from getting to the drainfield.

Don’t plug up the system – The drainfield is like a filter, where water seeps through very tiny spaces. Sludge from the septic tank and deep roots can plug the system. Have the tank pumped out, but don’t use additives – they can force sludge out to the drainfield. Grass is the best cover for a septic system. Plants with deep roots can plug air space needed by your system and damage pipes. Grass cover is best.

Don’t overload the system – A septic system can only take so much water. Each system is designed to handle a different amount of water. Know how much water your system can manage; stay within those limits. Don’t forget to fix those running toilets and faucets!