A properly designed septic system will provide you with a safe, sanitary, low-cost place to live. Unfortunately, many homeowners take their septic system for granted, if they even think about it at all, until it’s too late. Then, they are unprepared and flooded with all sorts of horrible smells and sewage backups, costing thousands of rupees in repairs. The good news is that proper design and ongoing maintenance will prevent most septic problems before you even know you have a problem. Whether you are designing a new septic system or maintaining an existing one, making a few wise choices today (and knowing what to avoid) can save you from expensive consequences tomorrow. Let’s review our top septic system planning in Channelview, TX, to save you from septic disasters so you can enjoy years of trouble-free septic use.
Understand Your Septic System’s Design
The first step to avoiding septic problems is understanding how septic systems work. An average septic system comprises a septic tank, a drain field, and a set of pipes. The septic tank collects and treats waste solids, and the drain field distributes the treated water into the ground. Understanding a general layout of this system will help you when monitoring septic performance, recognizing the early signs of problems, and keeping you from damaging septic components you aren’t aware of during landscaping or construction. If you have the opportunity to request a layout plan of the septic system from your contractor or local municipality, now would be the time to make that request. Knowing the layout of your septic system now could prove invaluable when you have to make decisions in the future.
Choose the Right Location
You will want to avoid installing the system close to wells, a stream, and buildings to prevent the risk of contaminating water supplies or damaging structures. The drain field should be on ground that is level and that drains well, and pavement or high-traffic areas should be avoided. You also want to avoid sites that can flood. A qualified engineer/ septic planner should help you establish a compliant, safe site. The time you take in site planning today will save you the risk to your environment and expensive relocations in the future.
Size Your System Properly
An undersized septic system is a recipe for disaster. You can expect it to back up frequently, overflow, and cost you lots of money in repairs. Your septic system should be sized by the number of bedrooms, the estimated amount of water needed to be used, and the number of persons occupying it – larger families or those households using items that use a lot of water will have to have a larger capacity. Do not err on the side of guessing – check local regulations for the sizing and ask an informed installer to help you calculate the tank and drain field size. Correctly sizing the tank and drain field is imperative to ensure your septic system can provide enough capacity to manage needs without overloading.
Schedule Regular Inspections and Pumping
Most septic tanks will require inspection at least once a year, and regular pumping every 3-5 years, depending on usage and the capacity of the septic tank. Regular inspection will enable you to catch early signs of wear, clogs, or leaks before these issues degrade into something more serious.Your septic system should be sized by the number of bedrooms. Neglecting maintenance may result in sewage backups, tank overflows, and environmental contamination – all of which will likely cost thousands to fix. Keeping a log of maintenance, with dates and notes, is useful, as is having your services scheduled in advance. This is a minor investment of time and money compared to the potential extension of your system’s longevity and to avoid putting a financial strain on you.
Use Water Wisely
Too much water can overwhelm your septic system, saturate the drain field with water, and possibly contaminate the environment. Each time you use the plumbing, you put more water into the septic tank, which slows the process of septic treatment. You can control the amount of water you put in your septic system by spacing your water use. With water-saving toilets, frequent repairs on leaking faucets, washing the laundry during the week, and not every day, etc. When using water, you should be aware of longer period showers and multiple cycles in the dishwashing machine, especially if you are using an older system.
The Finale
It is easy to ignore your septic system – until it breaks down. Understanding how your system operates, planning for proper installation, regular maintenance, and responsible use are the keys to enjoying a clean, efficient, and long-lasting septic system. Whether you are a new homeowner or have used your system for many years, following these planning recommendations will help you avoid septic catastrophes and protect your property for years to come.
