Helping you keep your septic system in top condition is our goal here at Sunset Septic. We offer septic pumping service, septic installation, and septic cleaning in Arizona. Today, we’ll talk about steps you can take outside the home to maintain your septic system.

There are a number of important measures you can take to ensure proper septic function. Let’s start with vegetative cover of septic areas. One question we get frequently is, “How close can I plant trees to my system?” There is no one answer, as there are many types of trees and they have differing root systems. Basically, you should never plant trees above or around your drainfield, only grass, small shrubs, or flowers. Most trees are safe to plant 100 feet away from the system. Trees such as the weeping willow, which has a really massive root system, should be planted much farther away from the septic drainfield!

Another question we hear is, “Can I use a chemical to remove tree roots?” The answer is never use these harmful chemicals in your soil. Remember they are going directly into the groundwater and into your drinking water. This includes any well water you use. Always remove tree roots manually.

Now let’s talk about your rainwater runoff. A soggy drainfield can cause your system to temporarily fail. Here in the desert, we get most of our rain in downpours several times a year, so making sure that your foundation drain, water from gutters and roofs, and surface water from paved areas is properly diverted is essential. The right use of landscaping can help divert water away from the drainfield.

Never drive any vehicle over the drainfield or leachlines. Doing so compacts the soil and keeps the wastewater from absorbing correctly, as well as possible damaging the pipes. Never build a structure on the drainfield, or cover it with concrete or asphalt, which hinders evaporation and could cause drainfield failure.

Installing a watertight concrete riser over the septic tank helps with access to the tank. Finally, periodically have septic pumping service performed on your tank. In a future blog, we will talk about when and how you should have this service done.

For now, we hope you are caring for your septic so you can enjoy its benefits far into the future. Please keep Sunset Septic in mind for septic installation, septic pumping, septic cleaning services in Arizona, and don’t hesitate to call us with questions.