Summer is the perfect time for gardening, landscaping, outdoor time, and family gatherings. It can also be the time of year when your septic system is working the hardest to meet the demands of you and your family, so here are a few ways you can lighten the burden and prevent septic issues this summer.

Be Mindful of Water Usage

With more people at your house using your bathroom, dishwasher, and laundry machines, you’re sure to use more water during the summer months. Try to be mindful of how much water you’re using. Take shorter showers, stagger your laundry so you aren’t using too much water at once, and only use your dishwasher when it’s completely full. Ask your family to do what they can to reduce their water usage.

Plant Around Your Septic System

If you’re an avid summer gardener, you’re probably excited to get out there and start planting. Before digging into the ground, remember that you should avoid planting trees near your septic system. The roots can grow into parts of your system and cause extensive damage. Edible plants should be planted far away from the drainfield, since drain water can contaminate them and make them no longer safe to eat.

Don’t Park Over Your Drainfield

Summer is a time when our families come to town to visit, throw parties, and celebrate holidays like the Fourth of July. Before your guests arrive, be sure to remind them not to park over the drainfield. The added pressure of multiple vehicles isn’t good for your drainfield, and it can cause problems very quickly. You can even use markers, like signs or traffic cones, to indicate the drainfield so your guests can park around it.

Keep Guests Informed

Whether your guests are staying for a few hours or a few weeks, it’s important for them to know how to use your septic system. Make sure they know what not to flush down the toilet, how to conserve water, where the drainfield is, and anything else you feel the need to tell them. Improper use of your septic system could result in long-term problems for you and your guests, so make it a priority to educate them.

Pump Your Tank During the Summer

Depending on your usage, your septic tank should be pumped once every three to five years. Summer is the best time of year to pump your septic tank if it needs to be done, since the frost of winter can cause pumping problems. Get your pumping done now so you can avoid issues later on.

Septic Maintenance and Repairs With Quality Septic

If you’re in need of septic maintenance or repairs, you can always count on Quality Septic. Our team of licensed septic system technicians are here to help you through any septic issue, big or small. We offer regular inspections and maintenance, as well as emergency repair services. If it’s time to have your septic system replaced or upgraded, we can do that too. Call or visit our website for a free quote on our septic services today!