How to Extend the Life of Your Septic System
by Richard Vann on Aug 7, 2017
The most common septic system problems that require repair are broken or clogged pipes, drain field failure, and cracked tanks.
The results of these problems can be inconvenient and even devastating for homeowners – not to mention very expensive. Septic repairs can cost as much as $2,000 and the price tag for a replacement system is much more.
The good news is that you take many precautions to protect your septic system and keep it running at peak levels for years to come.
Routine Pumping and Inspections
Having your septic tank pumped and cleaned by a professional every 3-5 years will prevent sludge, oils, and other solids from building up in the tank and, thus, lowering the chance of clogs and overflowing.
Similarly, a yearly inspection is a good way to monitor the performance of your septic system and identify problems before they become big and costly.
To stay up to date on septic tank pumping and inspections, keep a detailed record of service, repairs, and any other maintenance performed on your system.
Be kind to your drain field
Your drain or leach field consists of a network of pipes that drain into the soil, which then safely removes toxins, bacteria, and other pollutants from the surface.
To maintain the drain field, only plant grass near it and the septic system as deep roots from trees and shrubs can cause damage. Additionally, never drive or park a vehicle or 4-wheeler on the drain field, and do not pour concrete or asphalt over it.
Be careful what you put down the drains
If it can be put in the trash do not dispose of it through your septic tank. The more solids that go into your septic tank, the more it will have to be pumped, and the more likely it will clog and overflow.
Never put any of the following items down your drains or toilets:
- Food scraps
- Grease and cooking oils
- Coffee grinds
- Paper towels
- Facial tissues
- Sanitary napkins
- Tampons
- Dental floss
- Cigarette butts
- Disposable diapers and baby wipes
- Condoms
Use less water, if it is possible
There are many ways to reduce your water usage and lessen the saturation on your drain field and its soil. Consider the following:
- Turn off the water when washing hands with soap and when brushing teeth
- Install water-saving features on showerheads and faucets
- Use proper load settings when doing laundry
- Repair leaky pipes and faucets, and running toilets
- Run dishwashers only when full
- Lessen time spent in the shower
Beware of garbage disposals, hot tubs, and water purification systems
Garbage disposals, which shred food scraps, grease, and oils increase the amount of sludge and solids in the septic tank. Make sure your tank is big enough to handle the added mass or avoid using the disposal.
Draining large quantities of hot water from a hot tub or whirlpool into a septic system can overload the tank and drain field, and disrupt the system’s performance. Let the water cool and dispose of it in your lawn, away from the system and drain field.
Similarly, water purification systems pump large quantities of water into the septic system at once and can damage it. Be careful using these water softeners.
There’s no guaranteeing how long your septic system will operate at the top level. But following these tips will be sure to prolong its life and save you frustration and money.
Popular Articles
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...
65304 Views
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...
63375 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...
58905 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...
40222 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...
25224 Views
Latest Articles
What is the Average Cost to Repair a Foundation?
The most important part of any structure is the foundation, considering that it gives support to everything above it and ensures that the structure...
on Apr 26, 2022
6 Favored Methods for Foundation Waterproofing You Should Know
If you have ever walked down to your basement and noticed a small trickle of water or a small puddle on the floor, you may dismiss it as no big...
on Apr 24, 2022
7 Great Hacks For People Who Hate Doing Chores at Home
Count yourself lucky if you find cleaning and doing chores therapeutic. For the rest of the population, doing chores can be one of the most...
on Apr 12, 2022
Driveway Drain - Why is it Important for Safety
A driveway is often our first impression of a home. It tells people how we want them to feel when they're welcomed in. That's why it's important to...
on Apr 1, 2022
7 Tips for Choosing Your Bathroom Doors
Replacing the door is an excellent starting point when doing bathroom renovations. However, with the various door types in the market, choosing the...
on Mar 31, 2022
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
Juan Plumbing - Learn about SCAMs
on Sep 17, 2021
Hire Contractors / Estimates

I can firmly say, I'm only trying to be an advocate for a neighbor that is a DISABLED SENIOR who was taken advantage of in this SCAM. I feel the...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 258
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 233
- Real Estate / Finance — 188
- Appliance / Repair — 185
- Interior Design / Decor — 181
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 145
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 138
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 114
- Plumbing / Basements — 114
- Doors / Garages — 112
- Safety / Security — 112
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
How to Open a Locked Bathroom Door from Outside
So you've found yourself locked out of the bathroom, unsure of how to proceed. Luckily, you've likely got all the tools you need to be out of this...
4 Benefits of Power Washing
People who tried this method say that power washing is one of the greatest methods in which you use water under the high pressure generated by...
Paying Attention to Your Bathroom Flooring
When trying to renovate your home it is quite easy to jump straight in for the paint brushes and get cracking with the walls, but that is not...
The Advantages of Buying a Sub Zero Refrigerator
If you're in the market for a new refrigerator or freezer, there are plenty of options available. A refrigerator, like any appliance, becomes a...
Remodeling Your Home to be Handicap Accessible
If you or someone you love lives with limited mobility, you know what a hassle functioning in inaccessible spaces can be. Just getting into an...