4 Summer Septic Tips

This weather has probably had you in a summer mindset for several months, but now you can officially say the season is here. Summer is an excellent time of year to refresh your septic system. Here are four things every homeowner should do now.

1. Schedule a Cleaning

All septic system tanks have a capacity rating. When the tank's capacity limit has been reached, a long list of unpleasantness will follow, including system damage and a backup of wastewater inside your home.

Do you have college-aged children that will be returning home soon? Will you have a revolving door of family friends over during the summer? A yes to either question means you'll likely be adding more wastewater to your system than you typically do. If the septic tank is already nearly full, this extra use could be just enough to send it over the top.

Even if your family size won't increase, if you can't remember the last time you had the tank pumped, go ahead and make an appointment.

2. Replace the Filter

The septic tank filter plays an important role because it is designed to prevent solid matter, or effluents, from flowing into and settling in the absorption area known as the drain field. Given the rate at which wastewater flows to the drain field, the filter will get dirty over time and could also clog.

The goal is to clean or replace the filter before this happens. If the filter clogs, an obstruction is created that prevents the wastewater from properly flowing out of the tank. Instead, the water backs up into your home because it has nowhere else to go.

On average, you want to service your filter every six months. You can call a septic professional for this step.

3. Check the Gutters

Harrisburg, PA, experiences wet weather throughout the year. Although you can't redirect the rain or other wet conditions from your home, you can direct where the rain will pool around your house, particularly when it comes to your gutters. Summer is the perfect time to inspect your gutters to make sure they will do their job.

First, ensure they aren't full of debris, as this can prevent proper water flow and could cause pooling on the roof. If the gutters are full, remove the clutter to avoid costly damage. Next, ensure the gutter downspouts are not positioned directly over your septic tank or the leach field.

Pooling water in either of these areas can cause damage and cause the tank to overfill, which could also create a backup.

4. Keep Your Senses Alert

Problems with a septic system rarely arrive with an immediate onset. Typically, a problem grows in severity over time. You play an essential role in detecting these problems. A homeowner that keeps their senses active may be able to spot a problem before it intensifies into something greater.

Take foul odors, for example. As you're outside tending to your garden or enjoying playtime with your children, if you notice an unusual, strong waste scent, this could mean that your drain field is clogged or the tank is overfilled.

Either way, use this as an indicator that you need to have a professional come out and inspect the condition of your tank right away to prevent the problem from growing into something more massive.

Properly maintaining a septic system is all about prevention and by following these tips, you will find yourself on the right side of this goal. At Walters Environmental Services , we're committed to helping you keep your septic system in superior condition for summer and beyond. Contact us to learn how we can help you.