Maintain Your Septic System!

Septic Systems and Water Quality

A properly maintained septic system is an efficient, inexpensive, and convenient device for treating and
disposing of household wastewater. When functioning properly, these systems promote a sustainable environment by treating waste water on?site and recharging ground water. On the other hand, failed or broken
septic systems create unhealthy situations for humans and wildlife and threaten water quality throughout the
watershed.

A septic system receives waste water from all of the plumbing in a house, including the sinks, showers, toilets, the dishwasher, and the washer machine (see Figure). This household waste water carries dirt, food, grease and oil, soaps and detergents, and bodily wastes. To deal with all of these contaminants, the common septic system is composed of two major parts, the septic tank and the drainfield. The tank is a concrete box designed to separate oils and solids from the water. The drainfield is an area of ground perforated with pipes that receives water from the tank and allows for the regulated release of waste water into the ground. The drainfield is
where waste water is filtered and purified of chemical contaminants and harmful microbes.

Be On The Lookout!

Homeowners will reduce the chance of septic system failure by regularly checking and maintaining their septic
systems. Home owners should remain vigilant for:

• Excessive moisture or standing water in the drainfield,
• Noxious odors in the yard,
• Dead turf or other plants over the drainfield,
• Depressions around or over septic tank
• Slow or plugged drains
• Back?up of gray water through sink drains or toilets

Prolong the Life of Your Septic Tank!

There are numerous ways that a homeowner can prolong the life of their septic system and reduce maintenance and repair expenses. These include:

• Conserve water by installing low?flow toilets and shower heads and changing behavior.
• Do not add napkins, paper towels, applicators, and other such litter to domestic wastewater.
• Reduce the use of the garbage disposal and compost meal leftovers.
• Do not pour grease, cooking oils, or household chemicals down the sink drain.
• Know where the tank and drainfield are located.
• Install a watertight concrete riser over the septic tank to simplify access.
• Periodically have the solids pumped out of the septic tank.
• Maintain adequate vegetative cover over the drainfield.
• Keep surface waters away from the tank and drainfield.
• Do not drive vehicles over the tank or drainfield.
• Do not build over the tank or drainfield.

Tank Maintenance

Even the most efficient septic tanks require some maintenance. Over time, septic tanks will fill with solid
wastes which must be removed. The frequency of tank cleanings depends mostly on the size of the tank,
the amount of waste entering the tank, and the type of wastes entering the tank. A septic tank should be
pumped by a licensed professional when 1/3 its capacity has been filled with solid wastes. The following table depicts the average frequency that a tank must be pumped, but these time frames may vary from one location to another.

Page source: Septic Tanks Maintenance Tips