Septic Do’s and Don’ts
Tips for improving septic system heath:
- Spread washer use over the week rather than doing multiple loads in one day.
- Have liquid level alarms inspected 1-2 times per year to ensure proper operation.
- Make note of where key parts of your system are located for future reference and maintenance.
- Have pump screens and filters cleaned 1-2 times a year.
- Have your septic tank pumped out when sludge levels require it.
- Use water-conserving devices where possible.
- Have pumps, siphons, or other moving parts of your system checked 1-2 times per year to ensure proper operation.
- Remove or prevent trees with large root systems from growing near the septic system.
- Maintain a healthy grass cover over the septic system to prevent erosion and offer some insulation.
- Keep surface water from upslope or from roof drains away from your septic system.
- Have the inspection ports in your treatment mound, treatment field or at-grade checked regularly to ensure that there is no ponding of effluent.
- Compost your kitchen waste separately. Avoid the use of garbage disposal units.
- Never dump any materials directly into your septic tank.
- Limit the amounts of chemicals, fats, oils, greases, organics, or plastics from entering your system.
- Keep vehicles, equipment and ATV’s away from septic tank and off your through all 4 seasons.
- Allow snow to remain on your septic system to provide insulation.
Septic System Care & Maitenance
Maintaining the operation and performance of your septic system is essential for both your home’s functionality and the environment. Here are some key recommendations to help you keep your septic system in top condition:
- Know Your System’s Location: Understand the underground location of your septic system, and take steps to protect it. Ensure that your landscaping, construction, or installation plans won’t interfere with its function.
- Practice Water Conservation: Practice water conservation in your daily routines. Balancing your water use throughout the week can prevent overloading the system. Remember, the more wastewater you generate, the more your septic system has to treat and dispose of.
- Proper Water Diversion: Divert water from surfaces such as roofs, driveways, or patios away from your septic system. Keep structures, ditches, and driveways at a safe distance to avoid disrupting the natural water flow.
- Prevent Compaction: Keep heavy traffic, including vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock, away from the septic system area. Soil compaction and pipe damage can occur under the pressure of heavy loads.
- Thoughtful Landscaping: When landscaping your property, avoid placing impermeable materials like concrete or plastic over your septic system. These materials hinder evaporation and limit the supply of air to the soil, which is essential for proper effluent treatment.
- Regular Inspections: Periodically inspect your septic system for any signs of trouble, such as odors, wet spots, or surfacing effluent. These can be early indicators of a problem.
- Monitor Liquid Levels: Check the inspection pipes of your septic system regularly. If you notice a liquid level consistently greater than 6 inches, it may be an early sign of an issue that needs attention.
- Routine Tank Maintenance: Periodically clean and inspect your septic tank. This simple practice can extend the life of your tank and help identify early warning signs of damage.
- Avoid Direct Deposits: Never dispose of anything directly into your septic tank. Avoid dumping oils, cleaning products, or treatments of any kind, as they can harm the beneficial bacteria and damage the system.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure the proper function and longevity of your septic system while minimizing potential issues.
Cistern Care and Maintenance
While often overlooked, cisterns require regular care and attention to ensure the quality of the stored water is optimal. It’s important to remember that water in a cistern may not always be clean and potable. Even hauled water can potentially be contaminated, and the quality of treated water can deteriorate during storage.
To maintain the safety and quality of your cistern water, we recommend the following:
- Regular Water Sampling: Have your cistern water sampled for bacteriological quality at least semi-annually.
- Disinfection if Needed: If test results indicate the presence of coliform bacteria, both the cistern and distribution system should be disinfected with chlorine.
- Annual Cleaning: Consider pumping and chlorinating your cistern at least once a year to prevent sludge buildup and biological fouling. Adjust this frequency if you encounter water quality issues.
- Post-Incident and Changes: After contamination incidents (e.g., flooding or repairs) or if you notice changes in water clarity, color, odor, or taste, conduct water testing and cistern cleaning promptly.
Taking these proactive steps will help ensure that the water stored in your cistern remains safe and suitable for your household.
Advanced Treatmeant Care & Maitanence
Advanced treatment systems are designed to go beyond the standard wastewater treatment process, incorporating additional steps to treat effluent more effectively. These systems are capable of achieving higher levels of water quality and pollution removal, making them a crucial choice for demanding sites, or environmentally conscious homeowners.
Advanced treatment systems remove contaminants, solids, and nutrients from wastewater, significantly improving the quality of the treated water. These systems play a vital role in protecting both public health and the environment by ensuring released effluent meets stringent water quality standards.
However, due to the more intensive and sophisticated nature of these systems, they require diligent care and maintenance. To ensure the continued safe and efficient operation of your advanced treatment system, AWS recommends regular inspections and servicing by trained providers. This proactive approach not only safeguards the environment but also prolongs the life and effectiveness of your system for years to come.
Contact One of Our Instore Experts
Contact us today to get more information or to find the products that are right for you and your system.