Even if you live in a neighborhood where all of the homes look the same, there are subtle differences in each yard’s soil conditions and grading that impact the septic system. And this is why creating a custom-tailored calendar for septic maintenance is so important. Keep reading to learn what to include in your calendar and how often to perform each task.

What Are the Different Tasks to Include in the Calendar?

Proper septic system maintenance includes much more than just having the tank pumped every few years. You’ll also need to keep a close eye on the septic field lines, especially after severe storms that wash soil and debris across that part of the lawn. If you notice standing water or the grass over the drain field staying much greener than the rest of the yard, you’ll need to call for service.

Here are the other forms of septic system maintenance that you should mark on the calendar:

• Looking for slow drainage and listening for gurgling pipes
• Checking for water leaks behind walls and under sinks
• Keeping an eye on the septic tank lids and risers to ensure they stay secure
• Cleaning showerheads and faucet aerators
• Making sure the gutters and downspouts are in the correct positions and free of clogs
• Watching for tree roots that grow too close to the lateral lines
• Being mindful of what you flush
• Testing the performance and drainage of sump pumps

How Often Does Each Task Need to Be Performed?

Some septic maintenance tasks need to be performed much more frequently than others. Take tank pumping, for example. Depending on the property’s household size and water usage, you’ll likely only need to have the tank pumped once every three to five years. Checking for leaks and testing the sump pump, on the other hand, are important maintenance tasks to perform on a monthly basis. Tasks that you should perform seasonally include cleaning showerheads and faucet aerators, making sure the gutters and downspouts are clear and properly positioned and watching for tree roots growing too close to the lateral lines. At the top of each month’s page in the calendar, write, “Check for standing water and runoff after every severe storm,” since you can’t exactly mark these inspections on a specific date.

When Should You Schedule a Professional Inspection?

You should never wait until sewage starts backing up into your home to call for an inspection. Your septic system will likely give you several early warning signs that something is wrong. In addition to scheduling annual checkups, you should book service when you notice any of the following:

• Multiple drains draining slowly
• Having to plunge the toilet frequently
• Standing water in the tub that won’t go away
• Much greener areas in certain parts of the yard than others
• Audible gurgling noises from your pipes

Having a custom calendar for septic system maintenance is important, and so is having a licensed plumber on speed dial. The sooner you get septic problems fixed, the easier it is to save money on costly repairs and reduce inconvenient plumbing emergencies that disrupt your normal daily routine. When you need septic maintenance services in Greensboro, NC, contact Billingsley & Brooks Septic Tank Co.