Maintaining a healthy septic system isn’t always top of mind for homeowners—but it should be. While it’s no fun paying fees for regular septic system maintenance every few years, the alternative is far worse. Replacing or repairing a malfunctioning septic system starts in the thousands of dollars and goes up from there. Far too often, improperly maintained septic systems can torpedo a home’s value, causing homeowners to sell at an unexpected loss.

Faulty septic systems can do more than just cost money—they can put your health and the health of your neighbors at risk. A bad septic system will not properly remove the pollutants in wastewater, causing pollution and health risks to your community.

Taking care of your septic system doesn’t need to be a hassle. Following these simple tips I’ve learned over years of dealing with septic systems professionally will put you ahead of the game and on your way to making sure you have a healthy, functioning, and long-lasting septic system.

1.    Pay Attention to Your Septic System Maintenance

Cutting corners on septic system maintenance is a big no-no. Malfunctioning septic systems wreak havoc on home values and often cause owners to sell their homes at a loss. Hiring a reputable specialist to do a thorough inspection before buying a home is a critical step. A basic inspection is not enough—going with an expert before buying can help you avoid huge financial losses.

2.    Be Conscientious About What You’re Putting Down the Drain

You wouldn’t put strange liquids in your gas tank—why do you pour them into your septic system? A good rule of thumb is to avoid anything that wouldn’t pass easily through a human body. In particular, fats, oils, and greases can cause major damage to a septic system, so pouring these down the drain should be avoided at all costs. While washing clothes is unavoidable, different laundry detergents affect the septic system in different ways. Fabric softeners, antibacterial products, and scent beads are also terrible for the septic system and should be avoided if possible.

3.    Leave Your Drainfields Alone

Drainfields are where the water from your septic tank goes to drain into the soil. They are critical to a properly functioning septic system and should not be neglected. While no special care needs to be taken with drainfields, there are certain practices that should be avoided. Dominion Septic recommends not building anything—like a shed, for example—on the drainfield, as this can cause unforeseen issues. Trees in particular are to be avoided, as their roots can be extremely destructive to the drainfield. Problems caused by tree roots can be costly to solve, so it’s better to avoid planting them near the drainfield in the first place if possible. Maintain your drainfield area with grass and avoid irrigation systems.

4.    Only Work with Reputable Septic System Specialists

Whether you’re engaging in regular septic system maintenance, installing a new septic system, or repairing or replacing a faulty system, it’s important to only work with qualified specialists. Be sure that the specialist has ample experience working with septic systems, and check that they have all the proper licensures. Nothing can replace experience—keep expertise and work history in mind and ask neighbors and others around the community about their experiences. Finding the right specialist can save you a lot of money and headaches in the long run.

Proper septic system maintenance is critical for homeownership. If your septic system is damaged, there’s nothing to do but to call a qualified professional to evaluate it and perform a repair. By following the tips laid out here, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a well-functioning and long-lasting septic system.