Healthy Septic Systems Mean Healthier Lakes!
NH LAKES encourages homeowners to get their septic systems inspected for Septic Smart Week.
Concord, N.H., September 16, 2024 – Problems with septic systems can lead to nutrients and bacteria seeping into groundwater and finding their way into our lakes, causing potentially toxic cyanobacteria blooms. And, no one wants their septic system backing up! Properly maintaining your septic system is crucial for your home and healthy lakes.
A thorough inspection by a licensed professional covers every inch of your system, including tanks, valves, and leach fields. These inspections can uncover issues that aren’t yet causing noticeable problems, preventing them from escalating into costly disasters. A licensed professional should pump your septic tank(s) regularly based on the type of system and usage. But, at a minimum, a professional should inspect your entire system once every three years.
It’s not just about what happens underground; your actions above ground matter, too. Being mindful of what goes down your drains and what activity you allow on the yard above your leach field and septic system can significantly affect your system’s health. Check out more septic do’s and don’ts here:
Septic System Dos and Don’ts:
Do:
- Schedule inspections at least every three years and pump regularly.
- Plant only non-woody, shallow-rooted plants on your leach field. And, mow at least once a year to keep woody vegetation down.
- Practice water conservation: Space out laundry and dish loads. Use low-flow plumbing fixtures. Turn off the water when brushing your teeth, shaving, etc.
- Rent a port-o-potty when you have many guests over.
- Compost food scraps instead of using a garbage disposal to prevent excess sludge.
- Create a usable, aesthetic space that’s nice to look at, but still easy to access for inspections and pump outs
Don’t:
- Don’t wait until something goes wrong to call a professional.
- Don’t flush anything other than toilet paper.
- Don’t plant woody vegetation on or within 10 feet of your leach field.
- Don’t add excess weight on top of your system from vehicles, pavement, or structures.
- Don’t put chemicals, fats, oils, paint, bleach, deodorizers, septic additives, or other improper waste down the drain.
- Don’t overload your system. Too much water can cause clogs.
Make septic care part of your lake-friendly living plan. NH LAKES can give you personalized recommendations (including septic information) on how to live in a more lake-friendly way through the LakeSmart Program. LakeSmart properties restore and preserve clean, clear, and healthy water, recreational opportunities, higher property values, and better habitat for wildlife. You can inspire others to make lake-friendly living a way of life in your community and throughout New Hampshire. Learn more at nhlakes.org/lakesmart.
by NH Rocks