Protecting your drain field is an important part of septic tank care. This area is crucial for treating and removing wastewater from your property. It’s a sensitive ground system that relies on natural processes, and you need to abide by septic maintenance best practices to protect it. Add the following to your regular care regimen.

Do:

Divert runoff.

If the soil in your drain field becomes oversaturated, wastewater percolation will slow down. Check your gutter system to ensure water is effectively diverted from this area. Downspouts may need to be adjusted, and you’ll need to stay on top of cleaning your gutters to prevent water from spilling over the side. If you have issues with standing water because of the land grade, consider installing a drainage system.

Schedule septic pumping and inspections.

The average septic tank needs to be pumped every 2-3 years and inspected annually. If it isn’t working properly or overflows, untreated waste can enter the drain field. Learn the signs of a full septic tank, such as slow drains or foul smells, and call a septic maintenance professional to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

Don’t:

Build or plant on the drain field.

If you’re adding new landscaping or a home addition, ensure it’s at least 100 feet away from the septic tank and drain field. Thirsty roots of young plants will go hunting for water and may crack septic pipes. Heavy construction will compress the soil and interfere with waste treatment. If you aren’t sure where your septic tank and drain field are, speak with a septic maintenance professional.

Flush insoluble liquids.

Insoluble liquids that are less dense than water can create problems in your drain field. Paint and oil are two examples. They won’t be dissolved in the septic tank and can create clogs when they enter the drain field. They may also disrupt the active bacteria in your tank that treat waste. Toxic liquids can also taint drain field soil. Always dispose of these in an approved container.

If you need drain field or septic tank maintenance, the professionals at Sloan’s Septic Tank Service can assist. This septic service has served Oakley, MI, and surrounding communities for over 52 years, handling septic maintenance, repairs, and more. They also offer a wide selection of portable toilet rentals for events, festivals, and parties. Learn more about their septic services on their website, and call (989) 845-6280 to schedule an inspection.