Guide Me Home to North Jersey

Last week I described what a septic system is and how it works. This week I’ll discuss proper care and management which should extend the life and function of a system. Regular maintenance requires pumping the system to remove the sludge. This is recommended to be done on a regular basis. How you use and treat the system, the number of people in your household, and other factors can result in a range of maintenance time frames. Some companies recommend that if the sludge and scum is equal to one third of the tank capacity, it’s time to pump.

Remember: The goal is to maintain the organic organisms in the system that break down and absorb the waste. Excessive use of caustic cleaners can compromise your system. Warning signs of potential problems can be excessive water around your system or sinks and toilets backing up. The system ultimately disperses the treated water into the soil, so it’s crucial that it is in proper working order from a health and safety standpoint.

Here’s a short list of what not to do:

• Don’t use a garbage disposal.
• Don’t dump oil and grease down the sink drain.
• Don’t flush non-biodegradable items down the toilet. This includes disposable diapers, cat sand, and paper towels.
• Don’t take long showers or do many loads of laundry each day.
• Don’t pour paint, pesticides, and other toxic or hazardous substances down the drain.

Some other things to watch out for are:

• Drainage of surface water over the system area.
• Landscaping or planting trees over the system as the roots can grow in and clog or rupture the field or tank.
• Leaky faucets or sinks.
• Improper design or installation of the system in addition to poor soil that doesn’t allow proper drainage.
• Creation of an impermeable cover (such as a parking area) over the system area.

An extensive explanation of the entire process can be found at www.nj.gov or www.state.nj.us.

Always work with a reputable professional whether doing maintenance as a homeowner or conducting an inspection of the system as a potential buyer. Whether buying or selling, an efficient and safe system goes a long way towards maintaining your home’s value!

Posted by:Mary Jane Benedetto