Looking after a septic system comes down to four habits: pump the tank on schedule, flush nothing but toilet paper, spread out your water use, and keep weight and extra water off the leach field. Do those consistently and most systems give years of trouble-free service. This guide covers each habit, a season-by-season checklist and the myths that cause the most problems.

What can go down the drain

The only things that belong in a septic system are human waste, toilet paper and normal household wastewater. Keep these out:

  • Wipes, including ones labelled “flushable”
  • Sanitary products, diapers, paper towels and tissues
  • Grease, fats and cooking oil
  • Coffee grounds and food scraps
  • Paint, solvents, pesticides and other chemicals
  • Medications

A garbage disposal sends extra food solids to the tank, so if you use one, expect to pump more often. Normal amounts of household cleaners are fine, but avoid pouring harsh chemicals or drain openers down the drain, since they can upset the bacteria in the tank.

Spread out your water use

A leach field can only absorb so much water in a day. Large surges, like five loads of laundry on a Saturday, can push solids out of the tank and flood the field.

  • Spread laundry and dishwasher loads through the week
  • Fix running toilets and dripping taps
  • Choose water-efficient fixtures and appliances when you replace them
  • Keep roof, sump pump and surface water out of the system

Protect the leach field

  • Don’t drive or park on it, or use it for storage
  • Don’t build on it, including sheds, decks, patios and hot tubs
  • Plant grass over it, not trees or shrubs, and keep trees with spreading roots well back
  • Point downspouts away from it
  • Watch for soggy ground, odours or unusually green strips of grass

Our guide to how a septic system works explains what the field does and why it needs air.

A season-by-season septic checklist

Spring

  • Once the snow melts, check that the tank lids are in place and secure
  • Look for standing water or soggy patches over the tank and field
  • Clean the gutters and make sure downspouts drain away from the system
  • Book a pump-out if you’re due. Spring, once the ground thaws, is one of the easiest times.

Summer

  • Visitors and long weekends add water use, so space out laundry when the house is full
  • Keep vehicles and trailers off the field during yard projects

Fall

  • Pump the tank before freeze-up if it’s due
  • Mark the lid locations with stakes so they can be found under snow, or ask us about adding risers
  • Clear tools, furniture and debris away from the tank area

Winter

  • Keep vehicles, snowmobiles and plowed snow piles off the leach field. Undisturbed snow helps insulate the ground.
  • Fix leaks so water isn’t trickling into the system all winter
  • Read our tips for getting your septic system ready for winter

Four septic myths

“Pumping is an unnecessary expense.”

Skipping pumping lets solids reach the leach field, and a failed field costs far more to repair or replace than years of routine pumping.

“A full tank means it needs pumping.”

A septic tank is always full of liquid; that’s how it’s designed to work. What matters is how much sludge and scum have built up.

“Additives replace pumping.”

The bacteria a tank needs arrive with normal wastewater. Additives don’t remove the solids that build up, so they don’t replace pumping.

“It’s fine to build over the tank.”

Tanks aren’t designed to carry the weight of structures, and anything built on top makes the tank hard or impossible to reach for pumping.

Put your septic system on a schedule

The easiest way to stay ahead of septic problems is a recurring pumping schedule. D&L Environmental pumps septic tanks for homes, businesses, strata properties and mobile home parks from Vernon to Peachland, and we can set up recurring service so you never have to remember the date. Each pump-out includes cleaning the effluent filter, if your tank has one. Read about our septic tank pumping service or request service online.

Frequently asked questions

Are “flushable” wipes safe for a septic system?

No. They don’t break down the way toilet paper does, and they’re a common cause of clogged lines and septic backups.

Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic system?

You can, but it adds food solids to the tank, so plan on pumping more often.

Is it OK to use bleach and household cleaners?

Normal household amounts are fine. Avoid pouring large amounts of bleach, solvents or drain openers down the drain at once.

How do I find my septic tank lids?

Check your property records, ask the previous owner, or look for a cleanout or inspection port near the tank. If the lids are buried, our crew may need to dig to reach them on pumping day, so marking them afterwards saves time next visit.

Should I add risers to my septic tank?

If your lids are buried, risers are worth it. They bring the lids up to ground level, so the tank can be found and opened without digging, which makes every pump-out quicker and helps in an emergency. D&L can add risers to your tank; ask when you book.