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...
74072 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...
67745 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...
63665 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...
43692 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...
27129 Views
Latest Articles
Navigating Singapore's Property Regulations: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Singapores property market has been attracting foreign investors for many years, thanks to its stable economy, strong legal system, and transparent...
on Mar 22, 2023
What Truck Size Do I Need to Move a 3-Bedroom House
Moving to a new home can be a complex and stressful process, but with the help of the right truck size, you can make it a smooth and seamless...
on Feb 13, 2023
Five Tips to Take Better Care of Your Basement Insulation
Basement waterproofing is an essential part of home maintenance, as it helps to protect the basement from moisture, flooding, and other...
on Feb 12, 2023
Homeowner In The UK? Here's Why You Need to Know about Rainwater Drainage Systems
In the United Kingdom, there is an average of around 1,200 millimeters of rainfall annually. Keeping rainwater out of your home and away from your...
on Feb 2, 2023
What are the Advantages of a Metal Roof
Metal roofing is durable and beautiful, allowing a home to stand out from others with conventional tiled roofs. A metal coating can last a...
on Feb 1, 2023
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...
Sponsored Articles
Real Estate Investment for the Next Generation
on Oct 18, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Investing in real estate is something that people have been doing for a long time. Most people invest in a home, so they can stay at the home. This...
Real Estate Investment for Future Generations
on Mar 14, 2022
Real Estate / Finance

Purchasing a home is not simply a financial commitment. It is also an excellent way to start accumulating your wealth. Your home is also a...
Can I Sell My House with a Leaky Roof?
on Oct 28, 2021
Real Estate / Finance

The answer to this query is YES. It is possible to sell a house with a leaking roof, but it's always essential to evaluate some factors before...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 260
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 239
- Real Estate / Finance — 195
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 183
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 147
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 143
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 115
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Home Energy Efficiency Key to Battling Climate Change
Home energy efficiency is the act of reducing the wasted energy used in houses. This could involve a building survey on a property in order to...
Ideas for Recycled Furniture
Many of us are trying to upgrade our existing furniture and home decor style on a budget these days. As you probably know, one of the easiest ways...
Creating a Strong Home Security Plan
Crime remains a major concern for most homeowners. The reality of becoming a victim is frightening, yet many people don't know what steps are most...
Looking for Something More Than Just a Garden Shed
How have garden outbuildings have evolved into more than just places to keep the lawnmower? Most of us have childhood memories of how the garden...
5 Creative Ways to Organise Your Office
We all know the struggle of having of messy office and an even messier desk. We just never seem to have the time to clean and organize everything...