Septic System Brochure: Preventing Failures
Septic tank systems fail when the drainfield does not dispose of sewage as rapidly as it is being added to the system.
Thus, improvements that reduce the amount of incoming water or improve the quality of wastewater passing through the
system will increase the system's longevity. Other important considerations include the following:
A drainfield can be damaged by compaction due to vehicular traffic and
can be blocked by excessive shrubbery or tree root growth. The
drainfield should be unobstructed and seeded with grass. Grass and
sunlight aid evaporation.
Washing machines are responsible for large volumes
of water entering the septic tank. The surge of wash water can
create turbulence in the tank which increases the amount of solids
flushed into the drainfield. Space washings throughout the week
rather than doing many loads at a time, or, install a separate
system for washing machine water.
Cooking oils and grease are trouble makers. The
type of bacteria found in septic tanks and drainfields do not
survive or function well in solidified grease. Grease and cooking
fats should never be washed down the sink drain. Save grease in jars
or cans for disposal in the garbage.
