Ode to a Septic System…
Everything you need to know about Septic Maintenance. Rural life comes with a secret roommate most of us share: The Septic Tank.
While our city friends "flush and forget," we locals know that our backyard boxes are the unsung heroes of mountain living. If you want to keep your septic system as happy as a hiker at White Pines Lake, follow these quirky rules of the road.
1. The "Only the Three Ps" Rule
Your septic tank is a delicate ecosystem of hard-working bacteria. It’s basically a sourdough starter that lives underground. To keep it healthy, only flush the Three Ps: Pee, Poop, and (Toilet) Paper.
The No-No List: Wipes (even the "flushable" ones…they lie!), cotton swabs, and heaven forbid your old sourdough discard. If it didn’t come out of you or off a roll, it doesn't belong in the hole.
2. Don’t Treat Your Kitchen Sink Like a Woodchipper
We know, we know. You just made a killer batch of guacamole for the neighborhood potluck. But those avocado pits and coffee grounds are the arch-nemesis of your leach field.
The Arnold Tip: Composting is your friend! Feed your scraps to a local compost bin (safely away from the bears) instead of the disposal. Your pipes will thank you.
3. Space Out the Suds
Doing five loads of laundry on a Saturday after a big weekend of guests is an Arnold tradition, but it’s a septic nightmare. Dumping 100 gallons of soapy water into the tank at once is like a tidal wave for those poor bacteria.
The Fix: Space out your laundry. One load a day keeps the back-ups away!
4. Respect the "Poop Perch"
Your leach field (that flat, grassy spot in the yard) is not a parking lot. Driving your truck over it or building a heavy woodshed on top can crush the pipes.
Pro Tip: It is, however, a great place for a game of cornhole or a spot for the local deer to hang out. Keep it clear, keep it grassy, and keep it un-crushed.
5. The "Every 3-5 Years" Party
Think of a septic pumping like a spa day for your yard. Every 3 to 5 years (depending on how many guests you have visiting for Bear Valley ski trips), you need to call in the pros to clear things out.
The Bottom Line: We love Arnold for its rugged beauty, but rugged shouldn't describe your plumbing. Treat your septic tank like a VIP, and it’ll keep your mountain retreat smelling like pine trees and fresh air instead of... well, you know.
Need a local recommendation for a pumper who knows the Arnold terrain? Shoot us a message, we’ve got the dirt on the best in town!
