Your septic system works quietly behind the scenes, handling thousands of gallons of wastewater every year. Most problems don’t come from sudden failures — they come from small, everyday habits that slowly wear the system down. The good news? Many of these issues are easy to avoid once you know what to watch for.
Here are five common septic system mistakes — and how to fix them before they turn into costly repairs.
Flushing the wrong things
One of the most common septic issues starts in the bathroom. Items labeled “flushable” — such as wipes, paper towels, feminine products, and even dental floss — don’t break down properly in a septic tank. Over time, they build up and clog the system.
The fix: Only flush toilet paper and human waste. Everything else belongs in the trash, no matter what the packaging claims.
Pouring grease and food waste down the drain
Grease may go down the drain as a liquid, but it cools and hardens inside your pipes and septic tank. This restricts flow and can cause backups or drainfield issues.
The fix: Let grease cool and dispose of it in the trash. Use sink strainers to keep food scraps out of the drain, and avoid using the garbage disposal excessively if you’re on a septic system.
Using too much water at once
Septic systems are designed to handle wastewater gradually. Running multiple loads of laundry, long showers, and dishwashers at the same time can overload the tank, pushing solids into the drainfield before they’ve had time to settle.
The fix: Spread water use throughout the day. Use high-efficiency appliances when possible and be mindful of excessive water consumption.
Skipping regular septic pumping
Many homeowners forget about their septic system until there’s a problem. Without routine pumping, solid waste builds up and reduces the tank’s capacity, increasing the risk of backups and system failure.
The fix: Schedule septic pumping on a regular basis, typically every 3–5 years depending on household size and usage. Preventive maintenance is far less expensive than emergency repairs.
Driving or parking over the drainfield
Your drainfield is a critical part of the system, but it’s often out of sight and out of mind. Driving or parking vehicles over it can compact the soil and damage underground components.
The fix: Keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and structures off the drainfield. Maintain grass coverage, but avoid planting trees or shrubs with deep roots nearby.
A septic system can last decades when properly cared for, but everyday habits make a big difference. Paying attention to what goes down the drain, how water is used, and staying on top of routine maintenance can help prevent unexpected issues.
If you have questions about your septic system or need professional service, Little’s Septic is here to help keep everything flowing smoothly.