Tips for Planting On Your Leachfield or Drainfield in Boulder

When you have a Boulder Colorado septic system, you know that you have to be very careful about what you place around the area of the tank, as well as the leachfield or drainfield on your property. It is important that you are mindful or else there is a risk that you could cause some damage to your system. Many people like to put some plants in the area of their leachfield or drainfield and this is okay if you are making the right choices. Knowing which plants are safe will allow you to beautify your property without risking any damage to your septic system.

Why Certain Plants Are a Good Idea

While not all plants are safe for going around your leachfield or drainfield, when you choose the right options, having some plants in the area can be advantageous. First and foremost, they might help to prevent erosion, ensuring that the ground in the area is more stable for a longer period of time. Your leachfield or drainfield can also hold onto a lot of moisture and the right plants can help to soak up some of the excess, keeping the ground in the area more stable.

Exploring the Best Plants for the Area

The good news is that there are a variety of options that are a good choice when you want to add some plant life to the area around your septic system. You might consider an array of perennials, non-woody groundcovers that are small, annuals and grasses. These are typically best because the root systems are shallow. If you insist on a shrub or a tree in the area, you want to look for options that have root systems that are shallow and you still want to put a little distance between your septic system and them. These are best placed around the Boulder County system instead of on top of it:

·         Dogwood trees

·         Eastern redbud trees

·         Azalea shrubs

·         Holly shrubs

·         Japanese maple trees

·         Cherry trees

·         Boxwood shrubs

The Plants That You Want to Avoid

It is a good idea to avoid the plants that are large, such as big trees, especially those that tend to grow quickly. You want to avoid plants that have aggressive root systems that are constantly looking for water since they can see your septic system as a viable source and damage it to access the water. The following are generally considered bad for planting around your septic system:

·         Pussy willow shrubs

·         Aspen trees

·         Birch trees

·         Elm trees

·         American sweetgum trees

·         Tulip trees

·         Japanese willow trees

·         Lombardy poplar trees

·         Beech trees

·         Most maple trees

·         Ash trees

You also want to be aware of the existing trees on your property and where their roots are going. Make sure that your Boulder County septic system and leachfield or drainfield are not near any trees on your property.

You can see that plants can not only make the area look nicer, but there could be a few benefits too. Now you know about the best plants for the job and those that should never be planted near your septic tank. All you have to do now is head out and pick out the perfect plants and get them into the ground.

Important Maintenance for Your Leachfield or Drainfield in Boulder

When it comes to your Boulder Colorado septic system, it is important that you are taking the steps necessary to maintain all of its components. Most people focus on the tank and pipes, and while this is important, you also want to make sure that your leachfield or drainfield is in excellent condition. With the right information, you can ensure that your entire system remains in viable condition for years to come.

Keep the Area Clear of Heavy Objects

You want to make sure that you never put anything heavy over your Boulder County leachfield or drainfield. This means that you should avoid parking there and never build structures close to this area. The ground around the field can be moist and could sink easier. If a heavy object causes this to happen, it could result in damage to your septic system that could be very costly to repair.

Avoid Other Water-Based Objects in the Same Area

The ground around your leachfield or drainfield is already working to absorb a lot of water, so you do not want to add to it. You want to do what you can to help keep the space as dry as possible. Avoid putting any sump pumps, roof drains and rainwater drainage systems close to this area. You want to make sure that all of these are at a good distance and that they are directed away your leachfield or drainfield. When you add more water to the area than it is able to handle, this can negatively impact the wastewater treatment process.

Be Aware of What You Are Planting

While not all plants are bad when you put them in this area, certain ones can cause major problems for your total septic system. You want to avoid anything that can establish deep roots, such as the majority of trees. Now, certain plants that have shallow roots can actually be beneficial because they might help to absorb some of the excess water in the area. This could contribute to a more effective wastewater treatment process. A septic system professional can aid you in determining which plants are ideal and exactly where to place them for the most benefits.

Maintain Your Total System

Lastly, to ensure that your system is in good condition, you want to have all of the different components inspected on a regular basis. If one Boulder County septic system part starts to fail, there is a chance that all of the components could become faulty with time. You want to have a professional come out and check out the pipes, the tank, the leachfield or drainfield and everything else in between. If the professional recommends certain work that needs to be done, you want to attend to this in a timely manner.

You can see that it is not too difficult to keep your septic system’s leachfield or drainfield in good condition. Make sure to keep up with your maintenance efforts so that your system remains in excellent functional and structural condition.

How to Control Your Septic Effluent in Boulder

As your Boulder County septic system works, wastewater flows out of it into your drainfield or leachfield. This wastewater is referred to as the effluent. It is comprised of the water and other liquids produced in your home that make their way into your septic system. You want to make sure that you know how to control this to keep your septic system in good working order.

The Composition of a Boulder County Septic Tank

Your septic tank is comprised of two main parts that work to process waste from your home. The first is your actual septic tank and the third part is referred to as your leachfield or drainfield. The tank itself is waterproof and capable of holding a large volume of water. Both of these are located beneath the ground and a network of pipes is responsible for getting the effluent from your home into the tank and then from the tank out into your leachfield or drainfield.

Components of the Septic Tank Wastewater

The wastewater in your Boulder Colorado septic system is basically a combination of everything that is able to get into your septic system. These items can come from your sinks, toilets, washer, bathtubs or showers or your dishwasher. Basically, anything that uses water might add to the effluent in your septic tank. There could be a wide array of contaminants that are not safe for animals, plants and humans to be exposed to. Because of this, it is important that your system is pumped by a professional so that it is done both correctly and in a manner that is safe.

Three Main Parts of Wastewater

When you are learning more about wastewater, also known as effluent, you want to look at the three main parts that it breaks down into. Sludge is the first part and this is the solid form of waste that will eventually sink to the tank’s bottom. Scum is the second part and this is generally made up of foam particles that make their way to the surface of the water inside the tank. The third part is the partially treated water that is present between the sludge and scum layers in your tank.

Controlling Your Septic Tank Effluent

You want to make sure that you are only using exactly how much water you need in your Boulder County home. Using too much water can result in excessive effluent and your leachfield or drainfield having to work harder to handle it. It is also important to be aware of what is making its ways into your septic tank. For example, you want to avoid flushing solid items outside of stool since this can increase the risk of clogs developing in the different areas of your system.

You can see that controlling the effluent in your septic system is relatively simple. Just make sure that you are taking the steps necessary at the right times. You also need to ensure proper maintenance of your total system to keep everything in good working order.