How to Maintain Your Septic System and Leach Field

If your property relies on a septic system, it is essential to know how to properly maintain it to keep it functioning effectively and avoid costly repairs. Here are some important tips for septic tank and septic drain field (aka leach field) maintenance.

1 Rule: Be Careful What You Put in Your Septic System

Do not put anything into your septic system that is not human waste or toilet paper. This includes household chemicals that may harm the bacteria in your septic tank that aid in breaking down waste.  

We cannot stress this enough. Putting anything down your drain that is not toilet paper or human waste will add up to future problems that you can avoid. This rule really applies to any sewage system including properties serviced by municipal sewer systems but is especially true if you are served by a septic tank system.

Septic Tank Maintenance Tips

• Regular Pumping: Have your septic tank pumped out every three to five years, or as needed. Keeping a log of this service helps you stay on top of maintenance, and increased frequency of pumping could signal potential problems.
• Water Usage: Be mindful of your water usage. All water from your drains ends up in your septic tank and eventually flows to your leach fields (also called drain fields). Overloading the system with excessive water can saturate the leach fields and lead to problems. Practicing water conservation helps prolong the life of your septic system.
• Check the System Regularly: Make sure all parts of your septic system are functioning properly. Divert surface and groundwater away from your system, as excess water puts additional strain on the system.
• Rest Your Leach Field: If your system has a bull valve or drop box, use it to regularly rest part of your leach field. This allows the field to reset and avoid overloading. Many modern septic systems are designed with this feature to help extend the life of the leach field.

How Freedom Underground Can Help

While Freedom Underground does not pump septic tanks, we can help by inspecting your system if you suspect any issues or if you are purchasing a property with a septic system. We also specialize in installing and repairing septic systems and leach fields. Please note we cannot provide an inspection if the tank is full, thus it needs to be pumped within a few days of inspections, tbd on the amount of usage.

Call us at (408) 693-6018 or contact us to schedule an inspection service (typically $375) or for a free estimate if you need a repair. We also do leach field extensions and installations that may prolong your septic system’s life even if your current field is saturated.