The Importance of having a Schematic or Diagram of your SWFL Septic System

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The Importance of having a Schematic or Diagram of your SWFL Septic System

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Types of Septic Systems | US EPAWhen it comes to Southwest Florida septic systems, understanding the placement of your system and having a schematic or diagram of your system handy is critically important. Whether you’re dealing with construction contractors, paving new driveways or planning other other heavy landscaping – knowing where the different elements of your system are located can help you avoid huge issues down the line.

A septic system diagram can help you plan smarter

If you’re a homeowner in Southwest Florida that is using a septic system to process their wastewater, understanding the layout of that system will help you as you make improvements to your home. Whether you’re building a new shed, a home addition, an additional driveway or just planning for new bushes and trees, you’ll want to be proactive by understanding exactly where the elements of your septic system are located. Heavy items and even small bushes with intrusive roots can really impact your drainfield and septic system very easily.

Here are a few reasons that it’s so important to have a schematic or diagram of your SWFL septic system as well as insight on how to get a diagram if you don’t have one:

Avoid weight on your drainfield.

Be sure to avoid placing any structures or weight even temporarily over your drainfield as the weight can cause the soil to shift or compact the soil surrounding the drainfield. This can inhibit the natural flow of effluent from the drainfield through the soil and cause backups into your tank and eventually your plumbing. Your soil surrounding your drainfield should be well aerated to prevent biomat buildup that can cause system failure.

Related: Signs You Need Drainfield Repair

Avoid all of the following:

  • Parking cars on your drainfield
  • Installing bushes or landscaping with intrusive root systems
  • Placing heavy equipment or sheds on your drainfield
  • Building any structure like a pergola or deck on your drainfield

Related: Landscaping Do’s and Don’ts for Your Florida Septic System

Related: Tips for Keeping Tree Roots Away from Your Drainfield

Monitor your system properly

When you understand where your septic drainfield, septic tank, clean out and any other elements of your septic system are located, you can more easily monitor them for signs of malfunction.

Exterior signs your septic system is experiencing issues include:

  • Excessively green grass around your drainfield or septic system
  • Standing water or soggy spots in the area surrounding your drainfield or septic tank
  • A slimy, black liquid in the drainfield area
  • A foul rotten egg odor outside

Knowing where the elements of your septic system are and what the warning signs are that your system is malfunctioning are the best ways to prevent drainfield failure or septic system failure. If you experience any of these symptoms you’ll want to have your system pumped immediately.

Where to obtain a schematic or diagram

Depending on the age of your system, you can usually obtain a schematic or diagram of your septic system from the Septic Division of your local health department. If your system is very old this may not be possible, but it is worth trying.

If you are unable to get a copy of your septic system diagram from your local health department, you can contact a septic contractor. Most reputable contractors provider a basic schematic or diagram when they perform a septic inspection or pumpout. At Crews Environmental we always provide diagrams for owners that aren’t familiar with the layout of their system system.

If you’re unfamiliar with the layout of your system, the possibility of developing issues is high. By understanding where your drainfield, septic tank, clean out and other elements of your SWFL septic system are located, you can prevent potential issues by actively monitoring the grass and soil surrounding your drainfield and septic tank for potential issues. You can also avoid potential issues with construction contractors, rope off your drainfield or septic tank when you have parties and be diligent with that types of landscaping you plant in the areas surrounding your drainfield and system.

If you need a diagram of your septic system in Southwest Florida, please contact the experts at Crews Environmental.