What the Heck is a Drainfield?

Just kidding. But many of your customers probably have no idea.
What the Heck is a Drainfield?

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Perhaps you’ve tired to drill the ABCs of septic system care into homeowners’ only to have the message fall on deaf ears as evidenced by yet another neglected tank or overwhelmed drainfield. They don’t get it. You get it. Maybe you need another approach to help these unwitting septic system owners take action to ensure their septic systems are functioning properly. 

Good news. The U.S. EPA’s 2nd Annual SepticSmart Week (Sept. 22-26) is right around the corner. Yes, check the calendar. It’s August already.

This national septic awareness-building tool is the ultimate way for you to educate homeowners. From basic care and maintenance of their septic systems to those silly questions — why do I need my septic tank pumped regularly? — this week is an excuse to kick your educational efforts into high gear. 

Let’s face it. You’re just not getting the response you’d like from customers. Did you know current customers are more likely to refer you if you’ve taught them something? Homeowners feel empowered when you impart your knowledge upon them. 

Failing septic systems mean system backups and overflows, which result in costly repairs for homeowners, polluted local waterways and risks to public health and the environment.

Don’t let your current — and potential — customers fall victim to these bank-breaking and environment-damaging issues.   

Many septic system failures occur during the winter holiday season, so fill up your schedule now with regular pumping appointments by encouraging homeowners to get their septic systems inspected and serviced.

It’s a win-win: Educating them puts money in your pockets. 

Pass these simple SepticSmart tips along to homeowners so they can do their part: 

 

  • Get your system inspected every three years by a licensed contractor and have the tank pumped when necessary, generally every three to five years.
  • Avoid pouring fats, grease, and solids down the drain, which can clog a system’s pipes and drainfield.
  • Ask guests to put only things in the drain or toilet that belong there. Coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers and wipes, feminine hygiene products, cigarette butts and cat litter can all clog and potentially damage septic systems.
  • Be water efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and installing faucet aerators and water-efficient products, and spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day. Too much water at once can overload a system if it hasn’t been pumped recently.
  • Remind guests not to park or drive on a system’s drainfield, where the vehicle’s weight could damage buried pipes or disrupt underground flow.  

Another bonus? SepticSmart is online resource for you! Check out SepticSmart’s outreach toolkit to help educate homeowners and spread the word about septic system care and maintenance

Say it with me (and to your customers): Periodic septic system maintenance. Regular septic tank pumping. Proper daily system use. Go forth and educate.

There’s another cool tool you can use: Check out Septic Pages for additional homeowner resources, and Get Listed! on the industry’s best portal for homeowners to find local septic professionals. 



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