One of the most important landscape components is one that is actually rarely talked about once it’s in place. The septic tank is often taken for granted. However, the absence of a perfectly functioning septic tank will be all too noticeable. Whether your septic tank is brand new or you’ve had it for some time, it’s never too late to take steps to ensure that tank lasts as long as possible into the future. Here are six tips to take care of your new septic tank in Croton-on-Hudson and Tarrytown, NY.
Regular Inspection
A regularly scheduled inspection with some professionals will always be the best step that a homeowner can take for prolonging the lifespan of their septic tank. Depending on the type of septic system, you can determine how often to schedule an inspection. Most systems should get an annual inspection, while newer gravity-fed systems should have inspections at least every three years. This can be done at the time of pumping, which is key to a system’s longevity.
Regular Pumping
The space between regular pumping sessions entirely depends on how many people live in your household. As expected, the more people in the household, the more often the tank will need to be pumped. Most septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. If you start to notice some pooling on the ground near the septic tank or, worse, a smell in the air, then it’s well past time to schedule pumping and you need to call a septic tank specialist immediately. Delaying pumping could lead to serious problems in the future.
Proper Drainage
The leach field is the space downstream from the tank, where pipes release their contents slowly. As a septic system drains clean water away from the tank, the surrounding soil will already be fairly saturated with water. Just as a gutter and drainpipe system directs water away from the foundation of the home, it’s also necessary to direct water away from the drainfield of the septic tank to avoid oversaturation of the soil and potential interference with the septic system. Correcting drainage is only necessary if the system was poorly installed and you frequently have standing water in the area.
Complementary Greenscape
The type of plants you place around your septic system matters quite a bit to the health of the entire landscape. Deep roots of trees and large shrubs can interfere with or even damage the septic tank or pipes, which is an expensive problem. The best options for plant life around the septic system are shallow-rooted plants such as grass. These plants will also thrive around the septic system and benefit from the increased groundwater and nutrient supply. With a thick layer of healthy growth, your landscape will look amazing and your septic system will stay hidden as intended.
Septic Tank Accessibility
To keep your septic system well-maintained, the septic tank needs to be easily accessible. The lid of the septic tank should be fairly hidden to avoid interruption of your landscape’s aesthetic. However, a lid and riser for the exit of your septic can be concealed to look like it blends into the landscape or even as a feature in itself without showing its true purpose. Greater accessibility will also make every inspection and pump far easier.
Know What’s Going In
Be careful with what you send down the drain: coffee grounds and eggshells, for example, decompose very slowly and can cause clogs in the pipes. Consult your septic professional for a complete list of items to avoid flushing or sending down the kitchen drain.
Related: Tips To Avoid Needing A New Septic Tank This Year In Chappaqua And Pleasantville, NY
