The third week of September marks the 10th Annual Septic Safety Week, bringing awareness of safe septic practices with guidance from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
A part of our mission is to help our customers learn the importance of septic maintenance and how to properly treat septic systems. The EPA’s goal is to share this information to homeowners through community events and education.
JT Septic encourages septic safety all year round, so we’d like to take some time to share multiple tips to keep your septic system safe, shielded, and working properly to avoid costly repairs or dangerous situations down the line.
Protect Your Drain Field
This is also known as a leach field. How deep do you think this is installed? Would you be surprised to learn it’s only about 6-12 inches below your yard’s surface? This is why it’s so important to be aware of where your septic drain field is located. Share this information with your family!
- Do not park your vehicle on your drain field!
- Avoid planting trees or shrubs near or on your drain field (think about the root growth and it getting entangled in your drain field).
Think At The Sink
Educate the members in your household about what can and can’t be poured down the sink!
- Don’t let grease or fat make its way down the drain. Instead, pour the grease or fat into an airtight container.
- Limit food waste even if you have a garbage disposal. Instead, compost your food waste.
- Avoid disposing harsh chemicals down the sink
By being proactive about caring for your pipes and septic system, you’ll lessen the risk of system failure.
Don’t Strain Your Drain
Stagger your water use and remember to use water efficiently. Using an increased amount of water such as running the washing machine, dishwasher, and shower at the same time could cause a backup in your home or your septic drain field to flood.
Think Before You Flush
Certain items such as paper towels, plastics, cotton swabs or balls, floss, wipes (even if they say they are flushable), feminine hygiene products, and toxic substances should NOT be disposed of down the toilet! Items other than toilet paper do not break down adequately enough and will end up causing clogs and further septic issues.
Test Your Water Yearly
Avoid throwing away medication down the toilet or disposing of harsh chemicals down the drain. These can actually affect your drinking water. To keep your family safe, have your well water tested yearly. You can contact your local health department for assistance. Contact the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or visit epa.gov/safewater/labs.
Protect It & Inspect It
Performing septic maintenance can help determine how often your tank needs to be pumped and how well sewage is flowing. The servicer will also check for leaks and other issues. If you have a conventional septic system, an assessment is suggested every 1 to 3 years. But as we all know now, the aerobic treatment system is more popular in Oklahoma. Because it has electrical components, it’s suggested to be assessed annually.
—
These are small things to remember yearly to maintain septic safety! If you’re interested in calling JT Septic for a septic inspection, read on to know why we are the best fit for your system!
JT Septic follows state regulations which includes providing maintenance for two years with new ATU septic installations. There are no local regulations which require a septic inspection to be performed by a licensed or certified inspector, but JT Septic technicians ARE licensed and certified inspectors! In fact, JT Septic is the only licensed septic inspector in northeast Oklahoma. Our licensed and insured inspectors have undergone training by the National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT). We will have your septic report available to you within 24 to 72 hours after inspection. Our goal is to give you all of the necessary information in order for you to make the best decision for your septic system and your family.
If you’re ready to practice septic safety, give JT Septic a call to schedule your inspection!
Additional Resource:
Are you a landlord or do you rent your home? Download this helpful handout for your tenants.
What You Should Know About Aerobic Septic Systems
