Protecting Your Drainfield: Best Practices for Snow Removal and Landscaping

Be cautious with snow removal equipment: Snow removal equipment, such as snowplows and snow blowers, can damage your drainfield by compacting the soil, creating ruts, or even breaking pipes. It’s important to be cautious and avoid driving over or near the drainfield when using these machines.

Avoid piling snow on or near the drainfield: Piling snow on or near the drainfield can cause the snow to melt too quickly, leading to saturated soil that can clog the system. It’s best to avoid piling snow on or near the drainfield altogether.

Protect your drainfield with a layer of mulch: A layer of mulch over your drainfield can help insulate the soil and protect it from the cold winter temperatures. The mulch should be at least 6 inches thick and made of organic materials like leaves, wood chips, or straw.

Avoid planting trees or shrubs near the drainfield: The roots of trees and shrubs can cause damage to the drainfield pipes and disrupt the soil, making it less effective at treating wastewater. It’s best to avoid planting anything near the drainfield that has aggressive roots.

Repair any leaks or plumbing issues: Leaks or plumbing issues can overload your septic system and cause problems with your drainfield. Fixing any leaks or plumbing issues before the winter season can help prevent any potential problems with your system.

Avoid parking vehicles on the drainfield: Parking vehicles on the drainfield can compact the soil, disrupt the pipes, and cause damage to your system. Avoid parking vehicles on the drainfield, especially during the winter season when the ground is frozen and more vulnerable to damage.

Protecting your drainfield during the winter season is essential for maintaining a healthy septic system. By following these best practices, homeowners can ensure that their drainfield is protected from the hazards of heavy snow and ice. If you’re unsure about the condition of your septic system or need assistance with winterizing your system, contact Excavating New Jersey LLC today for a free estimate; we offer septic installation and septic repair services in Sparta and Vernon (as well as other areas).