When to Schedule Septic Services? A Guide to Seasonal Septic Care

Your septic system is kind of like your car. It runs in the background, doesn’t ask for much, but it still needs regular attention to keep working properly. If you’ve ever found yourself searching septic service near me in Sebastopol, chances are something didn’t go quite right. But the best time to schedule septic service isn’t when things go wrong, it’s before they do.

At L.J. Construction, we’ve been helping homeowners and businesses in Sebastopol care for their septic systems since 1966. One of the best ways to avoid costly repairs is to follow a seasonal maintenance routine. Not only does this keep your system healthy, but it also gives you peace of mind all year long.

In this blog, we’ll break down how to care for your septic system through every season, along with quick, no-fuss tips you can actually use.

Spring: A Fresh Start for Your Septic System

Spring is a great time to kick off septic maintenance. After all the rain and cold weather, your system might need a little check-up. If you’re already doing yard cleanup or prepping your garden, it’s the perfect opportunity to add a quick septic check to your list.

Quick Tips for Spring

• Walk your yard and check for soggy spots near the drain field
• Look for smells or slow drainage in your sinks and showers
• Schedule a professional septic inspection, especially if it’s been a few years
• Get your tank pumped if needed before summer usage spikes

Spring is also when many people move or do renovations. If you’re buying or selling a home, make sure your septic system is inspected and in good shape. If you’re wondering who to call, searching septic service near me in Sebastopol will help you connect with a local pro like our team at L.J. Construction.

Summer: Handle the Heat and High Usage

During summer, your septic tank system can get pushed a little harder, think backyard BBQs, kids home from school, and more water use in general. This is a season when problems can sneak up on you, especially if your tank is already near full.

Quick Tips for Summer

• Don’t overload the system with multiple high-water tasks back-to-back (like laundry and dishwasher)
• Remind guests what can and can’t be flushed, just because it’s a party doesn’t mean the rules change
• Keep extra water (like sprinklers or kiddie pools) away from the drain field
• If you haven’t had a pump in 3–5 years, now’s a good time to schedule it

Keep in mind that warm weather speeds up bacteria activity in the tank, which is good, but it also means waste breaks down faster, and builds up sooner.

Fall: Prep for Rain and Colder Weather

Fall is all about preparation. It’s when you start thinking about what winter might throw at you and making sure everything is in place. Septic systems are no different. Cold weather and heavy rain can create problems for tanks and drain fields that are already under stress.

Quick Tips for Fall

• Get your septic system pumped if you didn’t do it earlier in the year
• Make sure your risers and tank lids are secure and watertight
• Divert rainwater runoff away from your system
• Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near your septic components

Fall is also a great time to search for septic service near me in Sebastopol and get on the schedule before winter storms or holiday guests arrive. Don’t wait until you’ve got a house full of people and a slow-draining toilet.

Winter: Protect and Monitor

Winter might feel like the time to relax, but if your septic system is overdue for service, it can become a season full of problems. Cold, wet ground makes repairs harder, and frozen soil can even damage parts of the system. That’s why it’s better to stay ahead of things before temperatures drop too low.

Quick Tips for Winter

• Avoid driving or parking vehicles over your drain field (frozen soil can’t absorb water properly)
• Add extra insulation like mulch over shallow tank lids or pipes
• If you notice issues like backup or smell, call a professional right away
• Keep access lids clear of snow, debris, or leaves

Even in winter, if you notice signs of trouble, it’s not too late to get help. A quick search for septic service near me in Sebastopol will connect you with local companies, and fast response matters more when it’s cold and wet outside.

Have a Question or Need a Hand? Call L.J. Construction

Contact L.J. Construction today by phone at (707) 823-0247 or contact us online to get on the schedule. We’ll help you figure out what your system needs, walk you through the process, and make sure your septic system stays in top shape year-round.