Conserving water is something that we all should be involved with. Our planet only has so much fresh water and when it is squandered, bad things can happen. From a personal standpoint, with a few water conservation practices you can enjoy a lower water bill. If you have a septic system, you’ll also protect the tank and the drainfield if you use less water.
The way a septic system works is that the waste goes to a septic tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquids rise to the top. When they reach the top, which is ongoing as a septic tank is always full when operating normally, the water flows to the drainfield. The action of bacteria and filtering cleans this water before it enters the soil and makes its way to the groundwater or aquifer.
When you introduce excessive amounts of water all at once, you can overwhelm the system and force water through that has not been properly neutralized of contaminants. If you consistently overwhelm the drainfield, you will likely face repairs and even replacement costs sooner than you had hoped. Your home’s septic system can last a lifetime – even longer – as long as you take good care of it. On the flip side, even a new system can fail quickly if you don’t.
Spreading out water usage is an ideal plan. Do a load of laundry each day instead of three to five loads in one day. Have your family allow 30 minutes or longer between showers and try to limit shower length to 10 minutes. Check your home’s plumbing regularly for leaks and repair them promptly. Have water-conscious toilets, faucets, and showerheads installed to reduce water usage. For example, a dual-flush toilet is an excellent way to use less water.
Conserving water is an important way to safeguard your drainfield, but there are other important duties as well. Contact us at Lee Kirk & Sons Septic to learn more and to have your septic system inspected and maintained.