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When a septic system fails, wastewater can seep into the ground and contaminate nearby water sources, putting your household and community at risk of waterborne diseases. As a property owner, you are legally responsible for maintaining your septic tank so preventing these kinds of issues is essential. Regular septic system maintenance Sonoma County can help you prevent costly breakdowns while also extending the lifespan of your system. At L.J. Construction, our team has put together this essential guide of dos and don’ts to help you protect your septic system and keep it running smoothly for years to come.
4 Septic Tank Maintenance Dos
Follow these essential best practices to keep your septic system running smoothly:
1. Schedule Regular Inspections
Routine septic inspections help catch small problems before they turn into expensive repairs. Check for:
✔ Cracks or leaks in the tank
✔ Signs of seepage around the drain field
✔ Root intrusion from nearby trees
✔ Clogs or blockages in pipes
✔ Corrosion or excessive wear
2. Pump Your Septic Tank Regularly
Over time, solid waste accumulates at the bottom of your septic tank. If not removed, this sludge can clog pipes, cause backups, and even lead to system failure. To prevent this:
🔹 Pump your tank every 2 to 5 years (depending on household size, tank capacity, and waste volume).
🔹 Monitor scum and sludge levels, your septic professional will determine when pumping is needed.
🔹 Avoid waiting until problems occur, know how often you should you’re septic tank! Preventative maintenance is key to a healthy system.
3. Use Water Wisely
Excessive water usage can overload your septic system, preventing it from properly treating waste. Conserve water by:
💧 Installing high-efficiency toilets and low-flow showerheads
💧 Using faucet aerators to reduce water flow
💧 Spreading out laundry loads throughout the week instead of doing multiple loads in one day
💧 Fixing leaks immediately to prevent unnecessary water waste
4. Be Mindful of What You Flush
Your septic system is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper only. Flushing non-biodegradable items can lead to clogs and system failure. Avoid flushing:
❌ Baby wipes (even if labeled “flushable”)
❌ Paper towels and tissues
❌ Feminine hygiene products
❌ Diapers and cotton swabs
❌ Cigarette butts and dental floss
4 Septic Tank Maintenance Don’ts
Avoiding common mistakes is just as important as regular maintenance. Steer clear of these harmful practices to prevent septic system failures, backups, and expensive repairs.
1. Avoid Harsh Chemical Cleaners and Additives
Many homeowners use chemical drain cleaners or septic additives, thinking they help break down waste. In reality, these chemicals:
⚠ Kill beneficial bacteria that break down solids in the tank
⚠ Can damage your septic system and contaminate soil
⚠ May lead to costly repairs down the line
Instead, you can maintain a healthy septic system and use natural cleaning alternatives like vinegar and baking soda or look for biodegradable septic-safe cleaners.
2. Don’t Overload Your System with Excess Water
Too much water entering your septic tank too quickly can cause it to overflow or back up. To prevent this:
🚫 Redirect rainwater runoff away from your drain field
🚫 Space out high-water activities (like laundry and dishwashing)
🚫 Fix plumbing leaks immediately to avoid unnecessary strain on the system
3. Never Build or Drive Over Your Drain Field
Your septic drain field is a crucial part of your system and it’s important to know exactly where your septic tank is. Construction, heavy machinery, or even vehicles driving over your drain field can compact the soil, reducing its ability to filter wastewater properly. Follow these guidelines:
❌ Do not build patios, sheds, or driveways over the drain field
❌ Avoid planting trees or shrubs within 25 feet of the system (roots can infiltrate pipes and cause damage)
❌ Keep roof drains and sump pumps directed away from the drain field
4. Avoid Using Your Septic Tank as a Garbage Disposal
Some homeowners treat their septic system like a trash can, disposing of food scraps, grease, and other debris. This is a major mistake that even cause your septic to back up! Avoid putting the following down your drains:
❌ Cooking grease and oils (they solidify and clog pipes)
❌ Coffee grounds and eggshells (hard to break down)
❌ Medications (harmful to bacteria in the tank)
❌ Harsh detergents and bleach (disrupts the tank’s natural balance)
Get Professional Septic Tank Maintenance in Sonoma County
Taking care of your septic system is crucial for the health and safety of your home and environment. Whether you need routine maintenance, septic tank pumping, or repairs, L.J. Construction is here to help.
Contact us today or give us a call at (707) 823-0247 to book an appointment or visit L.J. Construction to learn more.