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Proper maintenance is necessary to preserve a septic system’s health and efficiency. An important part of this includes taking certain precautions with the property’s exterior. Using the wrong landscaping practices can lead to costly septic tank repairs, unsanitary conditions, and premature system failures. Here are a few guidelines that will help keep your septic system safe.

Do: 

Grow plants that don’t require much water.

Be strategic about what is planted over the drainfield. Plants with shallow roots, such as flowering perennials, and ground cover are best because they don’t need much water to survive.

Those that require more water will spread out their root systems deeper into the ground to find it. This can result in clogged or broken pipes within the septic system.

Position plants close together to deter weeds

Reducing the space between plants helps minimize weed growth in the drainfield area. Weeds have roots that actively search for water, and over time, they can infiltrate the system and cause problems to necessitate septic tank repairs. If plants are positioned closer to one another, weeds have limited access to sunlight and less room to grow.

Don’t: 

Plant trees or vegetables directly over the system. 

septic tank repairTrees pose a significant threat to septic systems if they’re planted too close. Their roots can grow into the system, blocking pipes and damage the septic tank.

To avoid messy sewage backups and septic tank repairs, trees should be planted at least 20–50 feet away, or further, depending on their estimated root spread.

Additionally, vegetable gardens should never be planted over or near a septic system, as the soil can become contaminated with wastewater.

Install sprinklers too close to the drainfield.

Sprinklers help keep landscapes lush and green, but they should be installed away from the drainfield. This is where wastewater flows from the septic system so it can be purified by the soil.

Having sprinklers in the same area can oversaturate the drainfield, which will prevent the wastewater from entering the earth and being properly treated. Instead, it will sit in a puddle above ground, contaminating the yard.

 

If you suspect a problem with your septic system, contact First Quality Environmental for an inspection. They offer high-quality septic tank repairs and will help restore your equipment to peak performance. Based in Waimanalo, they’ve proudly provided residents across Oahu with a full suite of septic system services for nearly three decades. Call (808) 259-0100 to request an estimate, or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.

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