Septic system malfunctions can indeed be a significant source of groundwater contamination. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), approximately 10-20% of on-site wastewater treatment systems malfunction yearly. These malfunctions are often due to improper maintenance by the owner.1
By avoiding these costly blunders and following proper maintenance guidelines, you can ensure your septic system continues to work efficiently for years to come.
1. Skipping Regular Inspections & Pumping
One of the most common and costly septic tank mistakes is failing to schedule routine inspections and pumping. Experts recommend having your septic system inspected by a professional every 3-5 years and pumped when necessary.
Neglecting this crucial maintenance task can lead to a buildup of sludge and solids, reducing your tank’s capacity and eventually causing backups or leach field failure.
Regular inspections prevent expensive repairs and protect the environment and your family’s health. Don’t wait until it’s too late – make septic system maintenance a priority.
2. Flushing Non-Biodegradable Items
Your toilet is not a trash can! Flushing non-biodegradable items like cigarette butts, diapers, wipes, and sanitary products can wreak havoc on your septic system.
These items don’t break down easily and can clog pipes, damage septic tank components, and cause premature leach field failure.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine and Public Health found that disposable diapers are among the most common causes of septic system failure. (ref)
To keep your septic system running smoothly and avoid costly repairs, flush only human waste and toilet paper.
3. Overloading the System with Water
While doing all your laundry on the weekend might be tempting, using too much water quickly can overload your septic system. Excessive water usage can stir up solids in the tank, allowing them to escape into the leach field and cause clogs.
The average washing machine uses 47 gallons of water per load. To prevent septic system overload, spread your laundry throughout the week and consider installing water-saving fixtures.
By reducing your water usage, you can extend the life of your septic system and save money on costly repairs.
4. Planting Trees or Building over the Leach Field
Your leach field is a critical septic system component that filters wastewater before it returns to the groundwater. Planting trees or constructing buildings over the leach field can lead to serious damage and expensive repairs.
Tree roots can infiltrate and clog leach field pipes, while structures’ weight can crush septic system components.
To avoid these costly mistakes, keep the area above your leach field clear and easily accessible for maintenance and inspections.
5. Using Harsh Chemicals & Additives
While using chemical additives to “boost” your septic system’s performance might seem like a good idea, these products can do more harm than good.
Introducing harsh chemicals into your septic system can reduce the delicate balance of beneficial bacteria essential for efficiently breaking down waste.
When this balance is disrupted, the septic tank may not be able to process waste effectively, leading to a buildup of solids and potentially causing leach field failure. (ref)
To keep your septic system healthy and functional, use septic-safe cleaning products and avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the drain.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.