Last time we talked a bit about what would happen if your septic system was overtaken by a disaster like a flood or tornado. Ultimately the survival of your septic system, during a disaster or otherwise, is determined directly by how well maintained it is. Septic systems operate through a delicate bacterial process and when that balance is upset, could compromise the efficiency of your entire sewage infrastructure. At B&B Pumping, we have been maintaining septic systems since 1958 and we know a bit about keeping your system in top condition. Regular pumping is one of the most important aspects of septic system care and we recommend contacting us for a pumping service every three to five years. While pumping your septic system can be nearly impossible as a DIY project, there are many things you can do to maintain the health of your system yourself.
Leach Field Flower Garden
B & B Pumping
The Drain Field
When waste water exits your septic system, it flows through a series of pipes and into some form of media that allows the water to drain into the ground. That media could be simply gravel or a new form of synthetic aggregate, either way the pathways to the soil must be accessible. While many homeowners are concerned with how the leach field is functioning below ground, they sometimes forget that it is what you put above ground that can have an impact on your septic system. Plants and trees can have a large impact on your leach field and it is important to consider what you plant and where.
Optimize Your Leach Field
The leach field is basically a sewer outlet into your yard. As gross as that thought can be, there are no adverse effects on health as the discharge dissipates directly into the ground. This discharge is chock full of nutrients and compounds that can be very effective for fertilizing plants. This can be a good and a bad aspect of your drain field, it all depends on how you take care of it. In many yards, the drain field will be the area with the greenest grass and that can translate into a gorgeous garden with a little careful planning.
Plant A Garden!
Before you go getting the idea that you are going to be growing the biggest pumpkins in Fort Worth in your leach field, know that crops used for food should never be grown in a leach field. Potentially harmful bacteria could make its way into the vegetables or fruits and cause you to get sick if your eat them. That being said, a leach field is perfect for growing a gorgeous array of flowers. Think about plants like perennials, really any plant with a shallow root system, this way the roots will not affect the drainage properties of your drain field. A word of caution, avoid trees and shrubs at all costs, as they will wreck a drain field with their roots.
Overall, A Leach Field Garden Is A Win!
With a little bit of work, you can create a gorgeous flower patch on your leach field, and as a bonus you will barely need to water. If you are thinking about creating your own garden, need your septic system maintained, or just would like us to do a routine inspection, contact your septic pumping experts at B&B Pumping today.