Congratulations on your new septic system installation. Whether you just built a new home in Lackawaxen or replaced an aging system, this is a significant investment in your property’s infrastructure. A modern septic system is an efficient, environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater right in your own backyard.
Many homeowners make the mistake of thinking a new system means zero maintenance for the first few years. That is a dangerous misconception. The habits you establish now will determine how long your system lasts and how well it performs. A well-maintained system can last for decades. A neglected one can fail in just a few years, leading to messy, expensive repairs.
At Triple J Services, we don’t just install systems; we want to help you protect them. Here is your guide to caring for your new septic system.
Understanding How Your Septic System Works
Before discussing maintenance, it helps to understand what’s happening underground. Your system typically has two main parts: the septic tank and the drainfield (sometimes called a leach field or, in our area, a “Turkey Mound”).
All water runs out of your house into the tank. Solids settle to the bottom to form sludge. Oil and grease float to the top to form scum. The liquid wastewater (effluent) in the middle flows out to the drainfield. The soil in the drainfield filters and treats the wastewater before it returns to the groundwater.
If you have a complex setup, you might also have a grinder pump or an effluent pump helping move things along. Every part needs care.
The Golden Rule: Watch What You Flush
The most critical aspect of septic maintenance happens inside the house. Your toilet is not a trash can. The only things that should go down your toilet are human waste and septic-safe toilet paper.
Modern septic systems are designed to break down organic waste. They cannot handle synthetic materials, plastics, or excessive chemicals. Flushing the wrong items is the fastest way to cause a backup or damage your expensive new pump.
Never flush the following items:
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“Flushable” Wipes: Do not believe the packaging. They do not break down and cause massive clogs.
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Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons and pads will clog pipes and fill the tank prematurely.
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Paper Towels and Tissues: These are designed to hold together when wet, unlike toilet paper.
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Grease and Cooking Oil: This solidifies in the pipes and tank, blocking flow.
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Medications: Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in your tank that break down solids.
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Chemicals: Paints, thinners, and excessive bleach harm the system’s biology.
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Cat Litter: Even “clumping” litter turns to cement in your pipes.
For more detailed information on what not to flush, the EPA provides excellent resources on their SepticSmart program page.
Be Mindful of Water Usage
Your new septic system is sized for a specific daily water flow. If you exceed that amount constantly, you risk hydraulic overload. This pushes wastewater through the tank too fast. Solids don’t have time to settle out and end up flowing into your drainfield. This clogs the soil pores and leads to system failure.
You don’t need to stop showering, but be conscious of water use.
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Fix Leaks Immediately: A running toilet or a leaky faucet can add hundreds of gallons of water a week to the system.
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Spread Out Laundry: Don’t do five loads of laundry on Saturday morning. Spread them out over the week to give the tank time to recover.
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Choose Efficient Appliances: When replacing washing machines or dishwashers, look for high-efficiency models.
Caring for Your Drainfield or Turkey Mound
The drainfield is where the real treatment happens. In the rocky terrain around Lackawaxen, many homes rely on elevated sand mounds, often called “Turkey Mounds.” Protecting this area is crucial. If the soil becomes compacted or saturated, it cannot treat the wastewater.
Keep Heavy Items Off Never drive vehicles or heavy equipment over any part of your septic system. The weight compacts the soil and can crush buried pipes.
Watch Your Landscaping Grass is the best cover for a drainfield. The shallow roots help remove moisture and prevent erosion. Do not plant trees or large shrubs near the leach field. Their aggressive roots will seek out the water in the pipes, penetrating them and causing blockages.
Divert Surface Water Make sure rainwater from gutters, roofs, and driveways drains away from your septic field. Excess surface water saturates the soil, making it impossible for the drainfield to absorb wastewater from the tank. If you have drainage issues on your property, Triple J Services can help with french drains and other drainage solutions to protect your septic area.
Grinder Pump and Effluent Pump Maintenance
If your property required a grinder pump or effluent pump during installation, you have an added layer of maintenance. These pumps are tough, but they are not indestructible.
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Listen for Alarms: Most pump systems have a high-water alarm. If you hear it buzzy or see a red light, stop using water immediately and call a professional.
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Be Careful with Garbage Disposals: If you have a grinder pump, try to minimize garbage disposal use. Stringy foods like celery or fibrous materials can jam even the best pumps.
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Power Outages: Remember that if the power goes out, your pump won’t work. Use water sparingly during outages to avoid backing up the system.
Scheduling Routine Pumping and Inspections
Even with perfect habits, sludge will build up in your tank. It needs to be pumped out periodically. For a new system, you should generally plan to have the tank inspected within the first 2 to 3 years of operation.
The frequency of pumping depends on household size, tank size, and water usage habits. Generally, tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years. Do not wait until you have a backup to schedule service. Routine pumping is much cheaper than emergency repairs.
During a pumping service, we also inspect the tank’s condition, check the baffles, and ensure the lids are secure.
For more insight into why inspections are vital, check out this guide from the National Environmental Services Center.
Partner with Triple J Services for Long-Term Care
Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding disaster; it’s about ensuring longevity. A little attention now saves huge headaches later.
If you start noticing slow drains throughout the house, gurgling sounds in your plumbing, or wet spots near your tank or Turkey Mound, call us immediately. Sometimes, a high-pressure drain jetting (hydro-jetting) can clear a developing clog before it becomes a total system backup.
Triple J Services is proud to serve the Lackawaxen, PA community. We know the local terrain and the specific challenges homeowners face here. From routine septic pumping and inspections to pump repairs and emergency service, we are here to keep your new system running smoothly for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Maintenance
1. How often should I pump my septic tank in Pennsylvania? In Pennsylvania, most residential septic tanks should be pumped every 3 to 5 years. However, this frequency depends on the number of people living in your home and your water usage habits. If you have a smaller tank or a large family, you may need to schedule pumping every 2 years to prevent solids from overflowing into your drainfield.
2. What are the signs that my septic system is failing? Common warning signs include slow-clearing drains, gurgling sounds in your pipes, and sewage odors inside or outside the home. You should also look for standing water or unusually lush, bright green grass over your leach field or “Turkey Mound,” which often indicates that the soil is no longer absorbing wastewater correctly.
3. Can I use a garbage disposal with a septic system? While you can use a garbage disposal, it is generally discouraged. Disposals significantly increase the amount of organic solids and grease entering your tank, which leads to faster sludge buildup. If you choose to use one, you will likely need to pump your tank more frequently to avoid clogs and system strain.
4. Are “flushable” wipes actually safe for my septic tank? No. Despite the labeling, “flushable” wipes do not break down quickly enough for septic systems. They often get caught in the baffles of the tank or jam grinder pumps, leading to expensive emergency repairs. To protect your system, only flush human waste and septic-safe toilet paper.
5. What is a “Turkey Mound” and how do I take care of it? A “Turkey Mound” is a local term for an elevated sand mound septic system, common in areas with shallow soil or rocky terrain like Lackawaxen. Maintenance involves keeping heavy vehicles off the mound, planting only shallow-rooted grass on top, and ensuring that surface water from gutters is directed away from the area to prevent saturation.
6. Why is my septic alarm going off? If your septic alarm is buzzing or showing a red light, it usually means there is a high water level in the pump chamber. This could be caused by a failing effluent pump, a tripped circuit breaker, or a blockage in the system. Stop using water immediately and call a professional service like Triple J Services to diagnose the issue.
7. Does heavy rain affect my septic system? Yes, heavy rain can saturate the soil in your drainfield, making it difficult for the effluent to filter through. During periods of extreme rain or flooding, it is best to reduce your water usage (like limiting laundry and long showers) to prevent the system from backing up into your home.
8. Do I need to add bacteria or enzymes to my septic tank? Generally, no. A healthy septic system naturally contains the bacteria necessary to break down waste. Most additives are unnecessary and, in some cases, can actually harm the natural balance of the tank. The best way to maintain healthy bacteria is to avoid pouring harsh chemicals, bleach, and antibiotics down the drain.
9. What is high-pressure drain jetting and when do I need it? High-pressure drain jetting, or hydro-jetting, uses a specialized hose to blast pressurized water through your pipes. It is much more effective than traditional “snaking” because it removes grease, scale, and debris buildup from the pipe walls. It is an excellent preventative maintenance tool to keep your main lines clear.
10. Can I plant a garden over my leach field? You should only plant grass over your leach field. The roots of vegetables or flowers often require more water and can interfere with the drainage process. More importantly, planting edible crops over a drainfield carries a risk of bacterial contamination from the wastewater. Keep trees and shrubs at least 10 to 20 feet away to prevent root intrusion.
