Mark and Maintain the Leach Field

The leach field is a critical septic system component that must be safeguarded at all times. It's made up of many perforated pipes that run the length of the leach field, and while it's safe to walk on, the weight of cars, trailers, and semi-permanent constructions can cause harm to the subterranean pipes. To avoid septic system damage, properly mark off the leach field and notify any guests that this section of the yard cannot handle high loads. Plant life and drainage around a leach field must also be monitored. 



To avoid floods, water from the house should be directed away from the leach field, and any trees, bushes, or shrubs should be removed so that their roots do not grow into the pipes. However, grass can and should be grown on the leach field since it absorbs water to prevent floods, the roots do not grow too deep, and the grass helps to prevent erosion.

Examine the Leach Field for Clogs

Even if you limit the amount of water and solid waste that leaves the house and inspect and pump the septic tank regularly, the leach field can become clogged. This is especially true during wet and rainy weather because excess water can flood the system, increasing the amount of solid waste that flows into the leach field. Flooding can also occur when a considerable quantity of snow melts over several days, so it's a good idea to stroll across the leach field during rainy or wet weather to check for sewage smells or unusually fast and lush growing grass, which could signal that the drain field is plugged. Slow-running drains, backed-up plumbing, squishy ground, and standing water are further indicators of a clogged leach field.

Maintain Accurate Maintenance Records

Regardless of the sort of system maintenance performed, it is critical to retain precise records of the outcomes. You can use this information to determine how much and how frequently you should introduce bacteria additives to the system. The bacteria in the system are susceptible to powerful cleaning solutions, soaps, and drain cleaners, so introducing new bacteria helps protect the naturally occurring bacteria in the system. Any inspection results that go beyond your system's normal expectations based on previous records might also help flag any problems before they become too difficult to manage. 



Another reason to keep extensive maintenance records is to have them available for any prospective purchasers if you decide to sell the house. Septic systems put some people off, but with a full set of comprehensive maintenance records, your home will undoubtedly be more desirable than a comparable property with an unknown septic system history.