A few weeks ago, my husband and I met with a general contractor. We talked with this professional about building an addition onto our small home. At this time, he informed us about a problem with our septic tank. We learned we would have to relocate a couple of septic lines before construction could begin on our home. Are you considering building an addition onto your house or business? Before you get too far along in this complex process, think about consulting with someone from a reputable septic service in your area. An expert from a septic service can inform you if your current septic tank will be large enough to accommodate the addition. On this blog, I hope you will discover the most common tasks performed by septic services. Enjoy!
Solving a Problem
Some Tips So You Do Not Damage Your Septic Tank With New Landscaping
Debra Chapman
If you have moved, and your new property has a septic tank on it, you need to be careful when you start landscaping. This is because certain landscaping could cause damage to your tank, which would result in expensive repairs. Below is some more information about this so you can get started with your landscaping.
Choosing Plants and Trees
If you plan to plant flowers or other plants near the septic tank or over the drain field, you need to be careful on the types of flowers or plants you choose. This is because if anything you plant has an extensive root system, the roots will be drawn to the pipes because of the moisture. Once this happens, the roots could wrap around the pipes and damage them. Planting ornamental grasses, wildflowers, or any non-wooded perennials are okay to plant over your septic system. Planting can even benefit your system as it keeps the soil surface stable.
There are also many trees that have a deep, extensive root system. If you are planning to plan trees, only choose trees that have a shallow root system so the roots do not damage the pipes.
Getting Soil Ready
Once you have chosen your plants, you likely have to get the soil ready. If you plan to use a tiller, make sure you only till two to three inches under the soil surface. Instead of using a tiller at all, use a shovel to break up the soil. If you do not have enough soil for your plants, purchase some top soil and place it over the area. Choose plants that are low in maintenance so you do not have to water them as often, such as coneflowers and black-eyed Susans.
Planting Grass
If you would like to plant grass, you should consider choosing fine fescues. This type of grass makes a great groundcover, and it grows very slowly so you only have to mow this grass one or two times a year. This is important because walking over the drain field area can compact the soil, which could damage the septic tank.
Before you start any kind of landscaping, contact a septic tank company to show you wear your septic lines are located. Mark these areas with stakes so you know where you need to stay away from. The septic tank contractor can also give you many other tips so you can keep your septic tank healthy and have beautiful landscaping.
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