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5 Simple Ways to Extend Your Septic System’s Life (That Cost Nothing!)

Your septic system is a significant investment that can last 20-30 years with proper care. These five free maintenance habits will help you avoid costly repairs and keep your system functioning efficiently.

1. Practice Water Conservation
Your septic system can only handle so much water at once. Simple changes make a big difference:

• Spread laundry loads throughout the week instead of doing them all in one day
• Fix leaky faucets and running toilets immediately
• Take shorter showers
• Only run dishwashers and washing machines with full loads

Why This Matters: Overloading your system with water doesn’t give solids time to settle, pushing them into your drain field where they can cause expensive clogs.

2. Be Toilet Paper Smart
Not all toilet papers are septic-safe:

• Choose single-ply, biodegradable brands
• Don’t use too much
• Avoid “ultra-soft” or “ultra-strong” varieties that don’t break down easily

3. Create a “No-Flush” List for Your Family
Post a reminder near toilets about what should NEVER be flushed:

• Cat litter (even “flushable” kinds)
• Feminine hygiene products
• Condoms
• Dental floss
• Medications
• Cigarette butts
• Coffee grounds

4. Mind Your Garbage Disposal Use
If you have a garbage disposal:

• Use it sparingly
• Run cold water before, during, and after use
• Avoid putting grease, fats, or fibrous foods down the drain
• Consider composting food scraps instead

5. Protect Your Drain Field
Your drain field is your system’s most expensive component to replace:

• Never park vehicles or heavy equipment on it
• Don’t plant trees or shrubs with deep roots nearby
• Keep pets from digging in the area
• Redirect surface water away from the drain field

The Bottom Line: These simple habits cost nothing but can save you thousands. However, even with perfect maintenance, your system still needs professional pumping every 3-5 years. Call Commonwealth Waste Solutions at (804) 895-6355 to schedule your next service.