| Replacing the septic drain field is easily the biggest | | | | etc: All these items end up in the septic tank and can |
| expense of septic system maintenance; it can run | | | | quickly cause it to clog. |
| from $3,000 to $10,000+. | | | | 5) Avoid pouring grease and oil down the sink: It |
| So, the whole point of septic system maintenance is | | | | seems natural to pour grease and used oil down the |
| to avoid drain field failure. The septic tank's purpose | | | | sink, but it can cause the drain field to fail. You should |
| is to trap solids and oils, and the drain field's purpose | | | | let it cool, pour it into a container, and put it in the |
| is to absorb waste water. If solids or oil escape from | | | | trash. This little habit can save a lot of money and |
| the tank and flow into the field, it will clog, fail, and | | | | headaches. |
| overflow onto the yard. | | | | 6) Try to avoid draininghot tub too quickly: If the |
| Here's a list of proactive tips to keep the drain field in | | | | drain field soil tries to absorb too much water, it will |
| good working order, save money, and avoid septic | | | | overflow. Then, you won't be able to flush the toilets. |
| system problems: | | | | Try draining the hot tub in a couple of stages, or |
| 1) Don't use bleach in the washing machine or other | | | | have everyone wait a couple of hours before taking |
| harsh chemicals that end up in the septic tank: The | | | | a shower. |
| septic system relies on bacteria to break down | | | | 7) Regulate water use at a large party: Many guests |
| waste. These harsh chemicals kill the bacteria causing | | | | in our home flushing toilets continuously causes the |
| solid waste to accumulate and flow into the drain | | | | same problem as draining the hot tub. You could try |
| field pipes. | | | | lowering the fill line in the back of your toilets during |
| 2) Regulate washing machine lint: Lint from the | | | | the party. |
| washing machine is another solid that can clog the | | | | 8) Don't pave or install pool over drain field: The leach |
| pipes. A great, easy strategy to save money on the | | | | field needs oxygen to work property. Be sure to |
| septic system is to get a lint filter. They're available | | | | check the septic system location before paving or |
| for $20. | | | | putting in a pool. |
| 3) Avoid using garbage disposer: If too much food is | | | | 9) Avoid driving cars or machinery over drain field: |
| put down the garbage disposal, the bacteria can't eat | | | | The drain field consists of a series of small, plastic |
| it fast enough. If you have a septic, you should try | | | | pipes to distribute the waste water. These pipes can |
| to use the trash can instead of the garbage disposal | | | | easily be crushed. Once again, knowing the system |
| as much as possible. | | | | location is a big help. |
| 4) Don't flush sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, | | | | |