Many people are already aware that the changing of the seasons can have a direct effect on their level of activity and general health. However, they may not be aware that the changing of the season can also affect the health of their home's septic system. Luckily, taking some simple steps to help reduce these potential seasonal issues can help septic tanks and drain fields function more effectively and enjoy a longer lifespan. If you are a homeowner who wants to avoid the expense and inconvenience of a septic system failure, using these seasonal care tips can help you accomplish your goal.
Prepare your septic tank for periods of extreme usage
The warmer weather of spring, summer, and autumn offers perfect opportunities for far-flung family members to get together for family reunions, weddings, and birthday celebrations. In addition to the fair weather making it easier for them to drive long distances to meet up, it also encourages gathering at the home of a centrally located family member. While important for family relationships, this type of large gathering is sure to result in much heavier bathroom and kitchen usage and place potentially crippling stress on the host's septic system.
Hosting homeowners who want to prevent a potential overload of their home's septic system should consider scheduling a septic tank pump out before and immediately following the gathering to remove excess liquid and solid waste from their system. Since compaction of the soil over the septic system can also be a problem during these large gatherings, homeowners will also want to make sure that they prevent guests from parking their cars and RVs in the immediate area in which their septic tank and drain field is located.
Prevent lush growth from damaging the septic system
Seasonal growth of nearby trees, bushes, and other fast-growing plants can also be damaging to the home septic system. The roots of these plants are often drawn toward sources of potential moisture, such as the condensation that can form on the surfaces of septic tanks and pipes, especially during periods of dry weather. If the tank or pipe has developed one or more cracks, the resulting leak can also attract roots to the area. When this happens, the developing network of roots can quickly force their way through the crack and grow inside the tank or pipe, causing blockages to form.
To prevent problems with lush seasonal growth, homeowners should always refrain from planting trees, bushes, and deep-rooted varieties of vegetation near or over their home's septic system and consider removing any that may already be located there. To learn more about these and other seasonal septic system problems and how to prevent them from occurring, homeowners can rely on the advice of a trusted septic tank pumping service in their area.
For more information, contact a company like Pete's Outflow Technicians.
