Thursday, September 6, 2012

Leaching Bed Maitenance

Keep heavy things away from the septic bed


Driving cars or machinery over your septic system will crush it. The soil surrounding the pipes may become compacted, making it less able to absorb the wastewater coming out of the pipes.

Snowmobiles compress the snow cover over the septic field, reducing its natural insulating effect and increasing the risk of freezing pipes.

Be a mindful gardener


Planting trees and shrubs (especially willows and poplars) near the field is risky because their roots travel significant distances to seek water and can plug or damage the pipes.

And watering of the grass over the field, whether by in-ground systems or by hand should be eliminated or minimized. Watering interferes with the soil’s ability to absorb liquids and break down wastes.

Source:  Ontario Ministry of Environment