Soggy Drainfields: Tips to Help Your Septic System Work
by Guest on Feb 7, 2014
Going to the bathroom isn't something you advertise. It's not something you give thought to unless something's wrong. But, ignoring the septic system in your home, and failing to take preventative measures against catastrophe is the surest way to experience one. Yuck. Here are some ways to keep your system working properly.
Conserve Water
So, one of the first, and most important, things you can do is conserve water to reduce the load on the septic system. For example, do laundry throughout the week instead of all on Saturday or Sunday. This will help space out the water usage and stress on the system. Also, use flow reducer nozzles on all showers and install low-flow toilets.
Assess The Risk Of Tree Root Invasion
Tree roots kill septic systems. Keep trees at least 100 feet away from the system, and with aggressive roots, you should make sure they're planted even farther away. Consider removing or moving trees that are invading your system.
Deal With A Soggy Drainfield Now
A soggy drain field is a drain field that can't handle the waste you're giving it. Design landscaping, roof gutters, and the foundation of your home so that it drains and diverts excess water away from the septic system.
Only Flush You-Know-What
Don't flush cat litter, diapers, or anything else down the toilet. Even facial tissues, coffee grounds, and cigarette buts can cause trouble for your septic system. And, even though warranty companies like Choice Home Warranty will cover you, it's going to create one heck of a mess that you'll have to live with while the fix is being done. And, your insurance company might not cover some of the systemic damage caused to the house or lawn (homeowner's insurance often doesn't cover landscaping).
Use Garbage Disposals Intelligently
You've probably seen some funny videos on YouTube or Facebook emulating the “will it blend” YouTube sensation. But, this isn't something you want to try at home at your disposal. It's a terrible idea and a good way to ruin your septic system. These things can easily double your solid waste in the system, so only dump organic materials down here that break down easily or upgrade to the top of the line disposal unit that grinds everything into a fine “dust.”
Don't Overuse Chemicals
Chemical drain cleaners, like Drano and bleach, can quickly deteriorate your septic system. They also kill beneficial bacteria in the tank that are breaking down the solids.
Don't Pour Grease Down The Drain
This is probably the most common thing people do. Don't pour grease down the drain. It doesn't matter than your neighbor, brother, mother, and college roommate do it. It's not good for your system. If you aren't saving bacon grease for future cooking (big mistake, by the way), and you don't like keeping grease in the fridge, then package it up in a plastic container and throw it away. It's easier to throw it down the drain the first few times. But, it's expensive and inconvenient to fix your drainage and septic system later when it backs up with sludge.
Katy Butler owns an old home that is always in need of attention. She lets off steam by blogging about her experiences on home design and decorating sites.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
88436 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
69956 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
69653 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
48336 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
29042 Views
Latest Articles
Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners
Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...
on Jan 25, 2024
Real Estate Development in Asian Cities
In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...
on Jan 25, 2024
Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower
Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...
on Jan 22, 2024
Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment
The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...
on Jan 10, 2024
The Rise of Co-Living Spaces in Asian Cities
Asia, home to 21 of the worlds 30 largest cities, is a significant player in the global economy, contributing 38% of the goods and services of the...
on Jan 5, 2024
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 263
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 200
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Fireproofing Rentals: How Should Responsible Landlords React?
Buy to let mortgages are one of the biggest growth markets at the moment and the number of people living in rented accommodation is at an all time...
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
Plywood Thickness: Weight-Capacity Correlation
The thickness of plywood is essential in determining which to use for the intended purpose at hand. In general, most plywood only reaches 1 inch in...
How to Make a Choice in Shapes of Showering Screens?
You don’t have to be careful, not to spill water out of the showering space anymore. This is indeed a boon to have a careless and comforting bath...
Remodel Complete – Time for New Furniture
The next step for most people after they have completed a remodel on their home is to buy new furniture. The simple reason being that with their...