SepticSmart Week 2020

SepticSmart Week is an annual event focused on educating homeowners and communities on the proper care and maintenance of their septic systems. This year, SepticSmart Week will take place September 14 – 18.

Tips for septic maintenance, include:

Protect It and Inspect It: Homeowners should have their system inspected periodically by a licensed contractor, and have their tank pumped when necessary, typically every two to three years. Many septic system failures and or troubleshoots occur during the holiday season. Therefore, the EPA  and NJSMG encourages homeowners to get their septic systems inspected or serviced now before schedules fill up around the holidays.

Think at the Sink: Avoid pouring fats, grease and solids down the drain. These substances can clog a system’s pipes and drain field. Consider adding BioOne® to your routine septic maintenance.

Don’t Overload the Commode: Only put things in the drain or toilet that belong there. Coffee grounds, dental floss, diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can clog and damage septic systems.

Don’t Strain Your Drain: Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system that hasn’t been pumped recently.

Shield Your Field: Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drain field, which could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow. Also, be mindful of where you plant trees and vegetation in the area of the drain field. The moisture in the drain field acts as “Mracle Gro” for the roots and can contribute to premature failure of your drain field.

SepticSmart week is part of EPA’s year-round SepticSmart program. In addition to educating property owners, the program is an online resource for industry practitioners, local governments and community organizations, providing access to tools to educate clients and residents. For more information, visit epa.gov/septicsmart or for central NJ residents email info@nj-septic.com or call (908-874-4669) for more maintenance tips