Spring is here! It’s time to get out of the winter slumber and make the spring cleaning checklist – don’t forget to put your septic tank on that list! Septic tanks need a little TLC after being nestled in the cold, frozen ground all winter. Temperature changes and changing weather dynamics can cause some septic tank mishaps without a little prep. The last thing you want is to ring in spring with a sewage disaster!
Have no fear! We are here to provide you with your spring checklist to ensure that your septic tank eases into the warm season without any hiccups:
1. Inspect Your Septic Tank’s Location, Including The Leach Field
Once the ground is thawed out, go take a look at the area where your septic tank lives. Is there pooling water? Your drain field might be backed up. If this is happening, you should definitely call your septic tank contractor to get it checked before it starts polluting your waterways or the environment.
Also, double-check the ground. Is the ground sinking? Is your septic tank cover below ground level? If the ground surface level is lower than it’s supposed to be, your tank might be sinking. A sinking tank might alter its ability to drain properly. If this is the case with your tank, call a professional.
What about the smell? Are you detecting any sewage or funky whiffs, like sulfur? Check for funky smells inside your home, as well. If there are smells, your system is backed up and needs some TLC from a professional. Don’t put it off, or you and your family may suffer a less than desirable event in your near future!
2. Redirect The Gutter Spouts On Your Home Or Nearby Buildings
Are the gutters on your home or any nearby buildings channeling rainwater in the right direction? If those gutter spouts are pointed toward your septic system’s living space, you might have a disturbing disaster in your near future. Channel your gutter spouts in a different direction to avoid a nasty flood. Also, be sure to check the terrain around the gutter spouts. Does the terrain tilt toward the septic system area? If so, you may want to do a little excavating to ensure that the water channels lead to a different location.
3. Check Your Sprinklers
Any leaks or damages in your sprinkler system could end up flooding your septic tank area. You will want to inspect the lines and your sprinkler heads to ensure that no water ends up where your septic tank is located. You want that area around your septic tank to be as dry as possible so that your septic tank will empty its contents where they’re supposed to be emptied. A pond might be a nice feature in a yard, but one with a septic tank in the middle of it would be less than ideal!
4. Check Your Septic Tank Filter
The filter shouldn’t be blocked with any substance or debris. If your filter is dirty or blocked, your tank may backup or fail. The last thing you need is expensive and unnecessary repair costs. Inspecting your filter on a regular basis is a good way to keep your septic system running properly for a longer period of time and will save you money in the future.
5. Get Your Septic Tank Inspected/Pumped
Are you unsure about anything? Hiring a professional will give you the peace of mind you need. Spring is the perfect time for routine maintenance to ensure that you won’t run into any unfortunate situations during the warm months.
Doing these 5 things as part of your regular spring prep routine will keep your septic tank running the way it should for a good, long time. Avoiding spring maintenance could turn into an all-consuming natural disaster for you and your family, and possibly for the entire year! A nasty sewage flood could leave its smell for the remainder of the season, even after it’s fixed. If you’re like most families in the warm season, you like to entertain friends and loved ones outdoors. The last thing you want to bring to your outdoor get-together is a constant whiff of your most recent disaster! Avoid trouble altogether by scheduling these 5 things into your routine every spring!
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