As spring starts to gear up, many of us are already dreaming about summer and making plans for barbecues. While taking care of your septic system isn’t as relaxing as hanging out on the patio with family and friends, putting routine maintenance on your to-do list can help prevent serious, messy disasters later in the season. Below are a few septic maintenance tips to keep your system running smoothly.

How to Maintain Your Septic System This Summer

1. Don’t Overwater the Grass

Overwatering grass saturates the soil, washing away nutrients and potentially killing the lawn you’ve nurtured all spring. It can also flood the drainfield, bringing the liquid waste to the surface before it’s filtered and clean.

2. Keep Vehicles Off the Drainfield

If you’re hosting a backyard party or a 4th of July celebration, the empty space in your yard might seem like a good place for extra parking. However, the weight of a vehicle can easily crush the drainfield pipes and may even cause the septic tank to collapse.

3. Be Careful With Landscaping

Summer is a fantastic time for an outdoor makeover, but remember the location of the septic tank when planning your design. Trees, bushes, and other long-rooted plants should be kept far away from the tank itself and the drainfield.

4. Get Your Tank Pumped

Most septic tanks need to have the sludge manually pumped out every two to three years. If it’s been a while, have a septic maintenance expert conduct an inspection and empty the tank, if necessary.

5. Avoid Flushing Foreign Objects

Flushing anything but waste and toilet paper can clog up your septic system, disrupt the bacteria in the tank, and even force sewage back up your pipes. If you’re having guests over this summer, make sure they know not to flush cotton balls, disposable wipes, or anything else down the drain.

Since 1949, Johnny's A-1 Sanitation, LLC has been the go-to septic maintenance professional in Trenton, OH, providing a wide range of services at affordable rates. They pride themselves on their reliability and honesty and will always follow through on their word. To schedule an inspection or septic repairs, visit their website or call (513) 988-5880.