If you're anything like us, you get on Pinterest go down a rabbit hole that can take you anywhere from cocktails to how to save $1,000 in a month to vacation homes. On one of these sessions, we happened upon some beautiful pins that showed different ideas for prettying your septic tank cover. While creative and nice-to-look-at, many solutions were actually putting the septic system in jeopardy. We get it, they are ugly, but they are vital to everyday life.
The drainfield is a necessary part of your septic system. It's very important that you have the right landscaping in and around it because roots can grow into the drain lines. Additionally, you want to avoid heavy objects (like cars, livestock, boulders) because the weight can cause the drain lines below to break. If your drainfield fails, then your septic system fails. OH NO!
Here are some tips and do's and don'ts to keep in mind.
KNOW THE LOCATION OF YOUR SEPTIC TANK AND DRAIN FIELD.
If you don't know where your septic system is, then how can you take care of it? Once you know locate it — secure it! Keep it safe. Keep it clean. Keep it serviced. And it will keep up with the demands you put on it for years to come.
KEEP HEAVY OBJECTS AWAY.
Decks and Patios
Sports Courts, Swing Sets, Sand Boxes and Swimming Pools
Storage Sheds, Garages and Barns
Driveways and Vehicles
PLANT NATIVE, DROUGHT-TOLERANT PLANTS WITH SHALLOW ROOTS. AVOID TREES AND SHRUBBERY. AVOID WATER-LOVING PLANTS AND TREES.
Roots can grow deep and find their way into your septic system. Once roots get into the drain lines, they can cause clogs and blockages or even force the lines to break.
DON'T PLANT A VEGETABLE GARDEN ON OR NEAR THE DRAINFIELD.
Gardens need water. The added saturation can cause your drain field to malfunction due to improper drainage.
MAKE SURE YOUR SEPTIC TANK LID IS SECURE.
Keep the lid on your tank. Make sure it has no cracks or openings. And consider chaining and locking it into place.
DON'T USE LANDSCAPE CLOTH, PLASTIC SHEETS, BARK, GRAVEL, MULCH OR OTHER FILL OVER THE DRAINFIELD. DIRECT SURFACE DRAINAGE AWAY FROM THE SEPTIC SYSTEM.
This landscaping can disrupt the drainage in and around the septic system. Water may settle and flood the drain field. Proper drainage is vital to the health of your septic system.
DON'T RUN UNDERGROUND SPRINKLER LINES THROUGH THE DRAINFIELD.
Should the water lines break, your drainfield will be in harm's way. Keep them far away from your septic system.
DON'T RESHAPE OR FILL THE SURFACE OVER THE DRAINFIELD. ALSO DON'T MAKE PONDS ON OR NEAR THE SEPTIC SYSTEM.
Remember, if your drainfield fails, then your septic system fails! So take care of it!
