A septic system works to remove waste-water from your home to keep dangerous bacteria and odors out of it. Because of this, it’s important to keep it maintained. Otherwise, you might run into some serious problems with it. Below are five easy ways you can care for your septic system in Sonoma County.

5 Ways to Keep Your Septic System in Good Shape

  • Watch How Much Water You Use: Using a lot of water can overwhelm your septic system. By letting faucet run, it can put a lot of pressure on the surrounding pipes which can lead to possible leaks. To conserve water there are a handful of things you can do. This includes:
    • Taking shorter showers
    • Limiting the amount of water running when washing your hands or dishes
    • Using energy-efficient appliances
  • Don’t Dispose of Grease in Drains: Grease can destroy your septic system because it makes it harder for water to reach it. Due to its thickness, grease will expand and ultimately block the pipe. The more grease poured down the drain, the more problematic this issue will be.
    Instead of pouring the grease down the drain, put it into a container, let it solidify, and then throw it away.
  • Direct Draining Water Away from the System: If you have outdoor drainage that leads toward your septic system, it could cause water to flood the ground. A flooded septic system can eventually cause water to back up into your home’s pipe which could cause them to burst.
    It’s ideal to direct drains away from the system. You can do this by extending the downspout or building a creek bed.
  • Remove Surrounding Trees: If you have trees growing near your septic system their roots can eventually grow into its pipes. This can cause cracks and leaks.
    It’s ideal to remove any trees located near the system to prevent this. However, if you prefer to hide the system with the help of landscaping there are a few safe options you can plant around it. These include hemlocks, boxwood shrubs, holly trees, and white oaks.
  • Have Regular Maintenance Done: Having regular maintenance done is crucial. A professional will be able to check your septic system and immediately fix any problems that might be evident. This also keeps your system durable and will prevent you from having to replace this expensive system down the road.

As a homeowner, it’s important to make sure to take steps to care for your septic system. If you have an issue with yours or want to do a regular maintenance check, contact Redwood Sewer & Drain. We’ll send out a team to address any concerns you might have.