Understanding How Your Septic System Works: Habits to Avoid
Your septic system is one of the most vital yet overlooked components of your home. It quietly handles wastewater every day, separating solids, liquids, and scum while returning treated water to the ground. In areas like Northern New Jersey where many homes rely on septic tanks, proper maintenance is crucial.
Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly engage in daily habits that can slowly destroy the system, leading to backups, foul odors, and costly repairs. Knowing what these habits are—and how to correct them—can help extend the life of your septic tank and keep your system running efficiently.
1. Flushing the Wrong Items Down the Toilet
Your toilet should only handle human waste and septic-safe toilet paper. Yet many people treat it like a trash can. Common culprits such as wipes (even those labeled “flushable”), paper towels, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss do not break down easily. These materials accumulate in the tank and clog the pipes, leading to slow drains and eventual system failure.
The best rule of thumb is to keep a small covered trash bin in your bathroom for non-flushable waste. This simple adjustment can prevent significant septic headaches later.
2. Household Chemicals
Cleaning products like bleach, ammonia, and harsh disinfectants can seem helpful, but they actually harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that are essential for breaking down waste. Without these microbes, solids build up faster, causing the need for more frequent pumping or even leading to system malfunction.
Instead, opt for septic-safe, biodegradable cleaning solutions. Vinegar, baking soda, and mild detergents are excellent alternatives that clean effectively without harming your system.
3. Neglecting Regular Septic Pumping
One of the most damaging habits homeowners have is skipping scheduled septic pumping. Even if your system seems to be working fine, sludge builds up over time. Most tanks need to be pumped every three to five years depending on household size and usage. Failing to do so can cause solids to overflow into the drain field, leading to severe contamination and irreversible damage.
Regular maintenance from a trusted local professional like Speidel & Sons Septic Service in Northern NJ ensures your system remains efficient and avoids expensive emergency repairs.
4. Pouring Grease and Oil Down the Drain
It’s a common kitchen mistake—pouring hot grease, oil, or fat down the sink because it seems harmless. However, once the grease cools, it solidifies and coats the inside of pipes, restricting flow and clogging your septic system. Over time, this buildup can block your inlet and outlet lines, forcing wastewater back into your home. Instead, collect grease in a disposable container and discard it in the trash once it hardens.
5. Overloading the System with Water
Running multiple water-heavy appliances at once—like dishwashers, washing machines, and long showers—can overwhelm your septic system. Too much water entering the tank too quickly doesn’t allow solids to settle properly, pushing them into the drain field prematurely. Spread out laundry loads throughout the week, install water-efficient fixtures, and fix any leaky faucets. Small changes like these prevent your tank from becoming overloaded and help your drain field function properly.
6. Ignoring What Goes Down the Kitchen Sink
Even with a garbage disposal, food particles, coffee grounds, and cooking scraps should never go down your sink. They increase solid buildup in your septic tank, shortening the time between pumping. Composting organic waste or using a strainer to catch debris is a simple way to protect your system. Over time, your septic system will thank you by continuing to operate smoothly.
7. Parking or Building Over the Drain Field
Your drain field is one of the most critical parts of your septic system, designed to filter treated water back into the ground. Heavy weight from cars, trucks, or even patios and sheds can compact the soil and crush the pipes below. Compacted soil reduces absorption, leading to backups or wet, smelly patches in your yard. Always keep your drain field area clear, marked, and free from construction or vehicle traffic.
8. Using Too Much Laundry Detergent
While it may seem harmless, using excess laundry detergent—especially those with phosphates—can upset your septic balance. The chemicals can kill off beneficial bacteria and increase sludge buildup. Choose septic-safe detergents and measure carefully according to the load size. Liquid detergents tend to dissolve better than powders and are less likely to create clogs.
9. Trees or Shrubs Too Close to the System
Tree roots naturally seek moisture, and your septic tank and drain field offer an ideal source. Unfortunately, these roots can infiltrate and damage the pipes, causing blockages and leaks. Avoid planting trees or large shrubs near your septic area. If you want greenery nearby, choose shallow-rooted plants and maintain a safe distance of at least 25 feet from the tank and drain field.
10. Ignoring Warning Signs
Many homeowners dismiss slow drains, gurgling pipes, or foul odors as minor issues, but these are early warning signs of septic trouble. Ignoring them can lead to sewage backup and costly damage. When in doubt, have your system inspected promptly by a professional. Speidel & Sons Septic Service provides thorough septic inspections, pumping, and repairs across Northern New Jersey to address these issues before they become emergencies.
How To Keep Your Septic System Healthy
Maintaining a healthy septic system isn’t complicated, but it does require awareness and care. Be mindful of what goes down your drains, limit chemical use, schedule regular pumping, and monitor for changes in performance. Consistency is key to ensuring your system lasts for decades. When you rely on Speidel & Sons Septic Service, you’re partnering with a local expert who understands the specific soil, terrain, and water conditions across Northern NJ.
Schedule Your Septic Service in Northern NJ
If it’s been more than three years since your last septic pumping—or if you’ve noticed slow drains or unpleasant odors—it’s time to call in the experts. Speidel & Sons Septic Service provides professional septic pumping, maintenance, and inspections for homeowners across Northern New Jersey. Don’t wait for small habits to become costly mistakes—protect your investment today with trusted local care.
Contact Speidel & Sons Septic Service today to schedule your septic system inspection or pumping and keep your system running efficiently year-round.