Expanding or renovating your home can affect your septic system. Septic tanks are delicate ecosystems that require attention when changes in the home occur. Here are the things to investigate when working on your next big home project to make sure your septic system can handle the pressure:
Planning a Home Addition?
Adding a bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom increases your home's water usage, which directly impacts your septic system. More usage creates higher volume of wastewater, which may require the purchase of an additional Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) and a larger septic tank to be installed. Septic tank size is critical to proper waste processing; the smaller the tank the less time bacteria have to treat waste before it flows to the wastewater plant. This leads to faster accumulation of solids, requiring more frequent pumping which can lead to higher long-term maintenance costs.
Planning Landscaping or Outdoor Projects?
Landscaping is a rewarding way to make your house your forever home. However, even projects like digging a garden or installing a fence can impact your septic system. Before you break ground, consider the following:
Locate Your Utilities: Do you know where your sewer, water, power, phone, and internet lines are buried? If not, it is essential to schedule a locate request for your work area. Start the process here: http://www.callbeforeyoudig.org/washington/
Choose Plants Wisely: While gardens and shrubs can typically be placed 10-20 feet away from your septic tank, trees require more caution. Their roots are naturally drawn to the water, nutrients, and oxygen inside your septic tank. Over time, roots can create openings, cause water intrusion, or even crack the tank as they grow. Allow a minimum of 30 feet between tree and tank as their roots can travel 2-3 times the distance of their canopy.