While driving around town, I cracked up laughing with the vehicle in front of me that said it was “Hauling Political Promises!” It was a septic system pump truck! You just laughed too, didn’t you?! This isn’t a subject people generally talk about in the coffee shops, but it’s real life. I snapped a picture and sent it to my wife! Keeping with the theme this year of “Doing it Yourself,” there are some things that you can’t do you yourself, but you need to make sure it’s done. From several recent inspections that were very deficient, especially the one from today, I am inspired to change my planned article for this month to a different subject.
Many homeowners in our area have a septic system on their property. You are own personal wastewater treatment plant. Your septic system, whether conventional or aerobic, must be properly maintained to operate efficiently and satisfactorily. Some of the maintenance you can do yourself. One big item … you must make sure it’s done regularly. If you have an aerobic septic system, I highly recommend that you have a regular maintenance contract.
The house I inspected today in Willis was built in 2006, and the septic system had never been pumped out in 11 years. A house in Cypress recently inspected had such a clogged up system that the field line area was too slushy to walk. I still remember the first time I saw a clogged up septic system … in one of my dad’s rental properties several decades ago. Digging into the ground and breaking the pipe to the tank, that’s when I saw the impact putting certain items down the toilet can do to a septic system!
This brief article is not going to tell all the do’s and don’ts of septic systems. But let’s mention two important items…
- Have your system pumped regularly! How often you need to do that will be based upon the usage in your home and system. Do you use a garage disposal? How many people live in your home? Ask a professional septic company for their opinion about the frequency your system should be cleaned out. Put it on your calendar and do it!
- Don’t put wrong items into your system! Google items to not put down your toilets or drains. You should already know not to put feminine products down the toilet, but you may be surprised at some of the other items mentioned – bleach, excessive chemicals, coffee grounds, and many other items.
You wouldn’t think of never emptying your trash can in your kitchen, would you? Your septic system is underground, but it still can fill up and overflow. Indications that you have already have a septic system problem would be slow water drainage, water backing up in the toilet, dishwasher, tub, or sinks, or a slushy yard. You need to be proactive to keep things functioning well in the tank(s) and lines beneath your lawn.
Keep your septic systems cleaned and working properly and stay happy my friends!
