Septic Systems 101

  • Most septic systems consist of a septic tank and disposal area or drainfield that treats your home’s wastewater and returns it back into the ground.
  • Know the location of your septic system, DO NOT drive vehicles or build decks, patios, etc over the septic system. Sprinkler and/or water lines MUST be 10 feet away per NJDEP.
  • Your septic tank is a filter that gathers all the wastewater you generate, it needs to be cleaned and checked for proper operation at least every 2-3 years.
  • Practice water conservation. Large volumes of water, especially when delivered to the septic system over short periods-flush suspended & untreated particles into the drainfield and clog it. Wash full loads of clothes or set washing machine water levels for smaller ones. Front loading machines use less water also. Scatter loads throughout the week. AVOID doing multiple back to back loads. Adjust water softeners for minimum amount of regenerating that will still give you acceptable water. If allowed: Have water softener discharge into a drywell-NOT your septic system.
  • DON’T send bacteria-killing toxins down the drain. These include: Drain cleaners, antibacterial soaps, disinfectants, bleaches-whiteners, discarded prescription medicines and the worse one-paint. Paint clogs up the septic tank and drainfield.
  • DON’T send anything down the drain that can’t be broken down. It will clog the drainfield. Cooking grease, cigarette butts, paint, coffee grinds and feminine products are some examples. DON’T install a garbage disposal. If you have one already, use it sparingly or disconnect it.
  • DO maintain your septic tanks effluent filter (if applicable) Lack of maintenance can cause back-ups of sewage into your home or environment.
  • DO maintain your septic system’s sewage pump (if applicable) Lack of preventative maintenance can cause costly repairs and/or replacement which can result in downtime or non-usage of your inside plumbing (toilets, showers, etc)
  • You may get away with abusing or not cleaning your septic for a significant period of time, but trust me the end result could be expensive and inconvenient.

 

I hope some of this information will be of help to you. If you have any questions regarding your septic system please contact us.

We will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.

Thank You for choosing A-Norton Septic Contracting!