If you’ve never dealt with a septic tank before, moving into a home with one is a learning experience. You should educate yourself on how to maintain it to avoid common problems. The drainfield, in particular, requires delicate care, so stick to the following rules to protect yours.

Do:

Divert runoff correctly.

Your drainfield is the area of your lawn where treated wastewater is flushed from your septic system. If its soil becomes oversaturated, percolation can slow down. Make sure your water diversion systems flush away from your drainfield. You may need to move downspouts. You’ll also need to clear gutters regularly so water doesn’t spill over their sides.

Pump your septic tank regularly.

When your septic tank overflows, it may eject solid waste into the drainfield that can settle and interfere with absorption and evaporation. You’ll spot this problem when overflowing wastewater fertilizes the surrounding grass, leading to vibrant green patches. The average tank should be pumped every three years to protect your system and drainfield. Ask the previous homeowners when they last had it pumped. You can also schedule a septic inspection.

Don’t:

Build on the drain field

When you build decks, house additions, and driveway extensions on a drainfield, you interfere with its evaporation. They’ll also compress the soil, which may break drainage pipes. Avoid planting anything within 100 feet of the drainfield as well. Roots will be attracted to the wastewater and may infiltrate the underground pipes.

Flush soluble liquids.

Paint, oils, and related products should never be flushed down the sink or toilet since they won’t dissolve and may be flushed into the drainfield. Along the way, they can clog piping, interfere with the bacteria in your septic tank, and taint the soil if they’re toxic. Pour them into a plastic container and toss them in the trash instead.

To maintain your drainfield and septic system, schedule an inspection with Bob’s Sweetwater Pumping Service. For over 20 years, they’ve provided residents of Kamuela and Waimea, HI, with on-demand septic services. Paul and Garrett Balberde uphold the United States Environmental Protection Agency regulations on each job and handle septic tank pumping, maintenance, drain cleaning, and sewer line cleaning. Call (808) 885-7189 to make an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about their services.