Rogers Neighborhood Realty: Extending the Life of your Septic System

The following articles comes from Amanda Rogers and Rogers Neighborhood Realty. 

Your home’s sanitation system is not a glamorous topic, but it is a crucial utility that works hard to keep your family healthy and comfortable. Most of us take an “out of sight, out of mind” approach when it comes to our septic system. Septic tanks and drain fields don’t last forever. They are costly to replace and it can be a big inconvenience to have your yard overturned when having something new installed. The good news is a well-maintained system can last for many decades. We’ve compiled a list of maintenance tips to extend the life of your septic system:

1. Be aware of where your septic system and drainfield is. If you’ve lived in your home for many years and you don’t recall where the tank and field are located, you could try accessing records by:

• • Reaching out to your buyer’s agent if you had a Realtor represent you in the purchase of your home. It’s possible they still have a copy of the septic inspection from the time of your purchase.
  • Requesting records online through a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) search. Kent County residents can do this here. Ionia county residents can do this here.
  • Calling the septic companies in your area and asking if they’ve pumped at your house recently (frequently used companies in Lowell are Fuller and Plummers). If they have, they can share the last pump card with you.

2. Avoid putting excessive weight on top of your drain field. Do not drive over or build on top of your drain field.

3. Keep trees and large shrubs away from your tank and drain field to avoid root intrusion. Over time, roots can dent, damage, and clog pipes. It’s ok to plant things with shallow roots over your drainfield (annuals, most perennials, bulbs, and ornamental grasses). Shallow root systems can actually keep soil in place and may even be a benefit to your drain field.

4. Use less water. Conserving water helps reduce the load on your septic system and prevents it from becoming overwhelmed. Install low-flow fixtures, such as toilets, showerheads, and faucets, to minimize water usage. Avoid excessive water usage, such as long showers or running the dishwasher and laundry machine simultaneously.

5. Dispose of things properly.

• • Only flush toilet paper and human waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing non-biodegradable items, such as diapers, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts, and paper towels, as they can clog the system and increase the need for maintenance. Most “flushable wipes” are not actually biodegradable and shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet.
  • There is bacteria present in a septic system that helps break down the contents of the tank, similar to how the digestive enzymes work in your stomach. This bacteria cannot break down everything. Minimize what food you put down your garbage disposal.
  • Avoid pouring grease, oils, chemicals, and harsh cleaning products down the drain, as they can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank and harm the system. Opt for biodegradable and septic-safe cleaning products whenever possible.
  • Schedule regular pumping. This is essential for preventing solid waste buildup in your septic tank. The frequency of pumping depends on factors such as the size of your tank, the number of occupants in your household, and your water usage. Generally, it’s recommended to pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years, but your septic professional can advise you on the best schedule for your specific system.

6. If your home is connected to the public sewer and you don’t have a septic system, keep in mind that many of these maintenance tips still apply to you. It can depend on your township, but typically the homeowner is responsible for the sewer line from their home to the street. Replacing the line to the street is pricey. If you notice trees or shrubs near your sewer line, remove them! Root intrusion is just as damaging to a sewer line as it is to a septic tank. Regular visits from a plumber to clean out your drains and sewer line can help you avoid future problems.

Reach out to our office if you need recommendations for local professionals. We have plumbers, excavators, septic inspectors, and sanitation companies who can help you promptly and provide sound advice.

Love your home and it will love you back!

Amanda Rogers is the Broker/Owner of Rogers Neighborhood Realty. Amanda and the rest of the agents in the office are professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about buying and selling houses and property in the Lowell community. For more information, visit their website, Facebook page, or Instagram page.