Fall is here and with it comes cooler weather, leaf raking, and crisp nights. Many of us have annual fall chores that we all do around this time of year, helping to ready our home for winter. Be sure to get your septic tank ready for winter too. A few annual fall chores will help keep it functioning with minimal problems in the year to come.
First, if you haven’t already done so, schedule your annual inspection and pump out. A regular pump out schedule for your septic tank helps keep the waste water tank from becoming too full. An annual inspection will help identify any small problems before they become major issues, including minor leaks or cracks in the structure.
As you begin your fall plantings, be mindful of your septic tank. You don’t want to plant any large bushes or trees on or near the drain lines, as these may potentially disrupt appropriate drainage from your waste water tank. This can be a potentially very expensive repair if deep roots begin to block the drainage lines.
Finally,as much as we all hate to do it, don’t forget to rake those leaves! Standing leaves that cover your lawn oftentimes will mask underlying septic tank problems. It makes it more difficult to determine if standing water is present, or if any sinking or settling of the ground has occurred.
While you are raking, look for signs of trouble with your septic field. Bright green strips of grass can be an indication that your septic field is not working properly. These indications may go unnoticed in the summer months when the whole lawn is lush and green, but can appear in fall when your lawn goes dormant.
