The drainfield is an essential part of any septic system; it’s the area where water is filtered once it leaves the tank. It doesn’t generally need a ton of attention, but there are some simple ways you can make sure it continues to function properly for years to come. Keep these simple septic maintenance tips in mind.

Do:

Keep extra water away from your drainfield.

Your drainfield needs to be able to absorb water from your septic tank. If it’s already saturated with water from your downspouts or landscaping projects, it’s more likely to flood or back up your tank.

Direct drains and sprinklers away from this area, and make sure the ground is graded so that water naturally flows away from the drainfield.

Get the tank pumped regularly.

Septic tanks usually have to be pumped every three to five years to avoid backups. If yours gets too full, the lines that run to your drainfield may start to clog, which can cause water to puddle in certain areas.

If you notice standing water in the area and it hasn’t rained recently, call your septic maintenance provider right away.

Don’t:

Place heavy equipment on it.

If you park your car or place heavy lawn equipment on your drainfield, the ground can compact and make it more difficult to absorb water.

It’s fine to walk over it or place light items on it from time to time but try to keep it as clear as possible. You should also avoid planting trees or large foliage on this part of your property.

Flush unapproved items.

If you flush or pour items down your drain other than waste and toilet paper, your septic tank is more likely to overflow. This can create clogs in the lines leading to your drainfield, which can ultimately lead to flooding or backups in your plumbing.

Avoid putting items like baby wipes, dental floss, bleach, and grease down your drains, so you don’t have to deal with these issues.

If you need any help with septic maintenance around your property, contact Johnny’s A-1 Sanitation. Based in Trenton, OH, the family-owned and -operated sanitation service has been serving local households and businesses since 1949. The company provides septic inspections, drain cleaning, repairs, and even portable toilet rentals. See a full array of services online or call (513) 988-5880 to request septic maintenance.