While you might associate your septic system with a massive underground tank you don’t have to think about too often, that’s only half of it. After the waste is sorted and broken down in the tank, remaining liquid flows out into the drain field, a system of tubes that further processes the organic or biodegradable material before allowing it to seep back into the soil. To ensure this delicate system works properly, apply the following tips to your septic maintenance regimen.

3 Tips for Maintaining a Drain Field

1. Dispose of Cooking Grease in the Trash

When you rinse that pan or skillet in the sink, the grease doesn’t mix with the water in your septic system. Instead, it hovers on top, creating a separate layer of oil. When it moves onto the drain field and is filtered back into the soil, the grease will make the dirt dense and clay-like, preventing any other liquid from leaving the drain field.

Eventually, the entire system may have to be moved to another part of your property. To avoid this, empty your grease and oil into disposable containers after cooking, and let it cool and solidify before throwing it in the trash.

2. Avoid Excess Runoff

Oil isn’t the only culprit for drain field blockages—it’s also possible for plain water to cause problems. For example, if your septic system sits in a lower area of your yard, heavy rainfall may send runoff that pools over the drain field.

If the soil is too moist, it will block the holes that allow wastewater to seep out. Therefore, it’s important to make sure your lawn is properly graded and to reposition gutter downspouts as needed.

3. Keep Trees Away

Tree root systems can grow as wide as the tree is tall as they try to find as many nutrients in the soil as possible. Since the drain field expels one of their most vital nutrients—water—the roots may purposely grow closer to your septic system. Unfortunately, this can tangle around the underground pipes, grow through them, or even snap them. To protect your drain field, make sure your trees are planted at least 20 feet from your septic system.

If you need professional repairs for your drain field, reach out to Nick Driggers Pumping Service. This Greensboro, NC, company caters to commercial and residential clients, whether you need a quick repair, a new installation, or routine tank pumping. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (336) 215-4408 to make an appointment.