How To Keep Your Residential Septic System In Top Condition in 2023 – Part 2
Special Emphasis RE: Environmental Conditions In Pierce and Thurston County WA

Keep Shrubs and Trees Away from Septic System
It is important to keep trees and shrubs from encroaching upon your septic system. Trees and shrubs with shallow roots, such as dogwood trees and cherry trees, are best for planting near the drainfield. It is wise to create a barrier around the drainfield and keep the barrier at least 10 feet away from shrubs, and 30-50 feet away from trees. This will help prevent large roots from damaging the pipes or tanks of your septic system. Additionally, never encircle the tree with barrier material as this can prevent your tree from thriving. With these steps in mind, you can maintain a healthy septic system as well as an aesthetically pleasing landscape.

Encourage Grass Around the Septic System
Encouraging grass around the septic system is a great way to ensure its continued health and function. Grass happily absorbs extra moisture from around the soil, allowing your septic field to work efficiently. Herbaceous plants, such as annuals, perennials, bulbs and ornamental grasses are generally the best choices for use on a septic drain field. Reshaping or filling the ground surface over the drainfield and reserve area is also recommended. Using mulch berms, flower beds, site grading, or roof gutters to direct rainwater around your drainfield helps to keep it from saturating the system. Choosing a grass that is low-maintenance and drought-tolerant ensures that watering of it can be kept to a minimum. It’s also acceptable and even advisable to grow tall grass, weeds, and other shallow-rooted plants above your septic drain field. All of these steps help to ensure that your septic system will be able to function properly for many years to come.

Do Not Flush Anything Other Than Toilet Paper!!
It is important to only flush toilet paper down your septic system and not any other items. These items can clog and damage your septic system, leading to costly and time consuming repairs. To ensure your septic system stays in top condition, be sure to use single-ply toilet paper that is safe for your septic system. Additionally, you can use an enzyme based septic safe drain cleaner to help maintain the sludge level and crust thickness as needed. If you follow these tips and avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper, you can keep your septic system in top condition and avoid expensive repairs.

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Drain
One of the most important things to keep in mind when maintaining your septic system is to never pour grease down the drain. Grease is one of the worst substances you can put into your septic system as it can clog up pipes and cause damage to your tank. It’s important to be mindful of what goes down the drain and ensure that anything other than toilet paper does not enter the septic system. If you must dispose of grease, use a disposable container and throw it away in your trash can. Doing this will help keep your septic system functioning properly and prevent costly repairs or replacements in the future.

Be Mindful of What Goes Into the System
It’s important to be mindful of what goes into your septic system. Never drive or park vehicles over your drainfield, and make sure gutters and sump pumps empty water far away from the drainfield. You should also go organic with your cleaning and septic tank treatments, pump the tank periodically, and flush only toilet paper down the toilet. Be aware that any non-biodegradable waste products, such as oil, paint, solvents and household cleaners, can cause serious damage to your septic system if they are disposed of through a septic system. By following these simple steps and being mindful of what you put into your septic system, you can help keep it in top condition.

SUMMARY:
In conclusion, a septic system requires regular maintenance and upkeep in order to remain in top condition. This includes inspecting and pumping the tank frequently, using water efficiently, properly disposing of waste, maintaining the drainfield, pumping the tank periodically, keeping shrubs and trees away from septic system, encouraging grass around the septic system, not flushing anything other than toilet paper down the drain, not pouring grease down the drain and being mindful of what goes into the system.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your septic system remains in top condition for years to come.

If you should ever have a problem or any symptoms, don’t hesitate to call us at 253-851-3432