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Septic Systems

Unfortunately too many home owners do not know their septic systems. The system is buried and forgotten until there is a problem; Toilets that will not flush, or if they do, what went down comes up in another part of the house. If the system is neglected too long you may see sewage start to surface on your lawn over the septic leaching bed area which may mean a very costly and very messy repair. With a little care and common sense you should have no problem with a septic system for many years.

Some basic guidelines for your septic system:

A properly installed sewage disposal system, consisting of a septic tank and absorption field, should, with proper care and maintenance, provide many years of service. The following information will assist you to enhance system performance, and extend its useful life.

Do not allow roof drains to discharge to the septic tank or surface waters to drain towards the area of the disposal system. Excessive and unnecessary water usage should be avoided. If automatic washers and dishwashers are used, make sure full loads are washed each time. Excessive use of water, such as doing numerous washings in one day, could flush solids from the tank to the absorption field. Wastes from garbage disposal units are not easily digested by bacteria in the septic tank and only add to the volume of solids which must be removed by pumping the tank. Garbage disposal units are not recommended for septic systems. Moderate use of household drain solvents, cleaners, disinfectants should not interfere with the operation of the sewage disposal system. Toilet paper substitutes, paper towels, newspaper, sanitary napkins, and/or condoms should not be flushed into the septic tank since they will not readily decompose.

The septic tank should be pumped every 2-3 years depending on the usage. Failure to pump out a septic tank when required may result in sludge and scum being carried to the absorption field resulting in clogging and complete failure of the system. The tank should not be washed or disinfected after pumping.

The area above or near the absorption field should never be used as a traffic area for vehicles, pedestrians or animals. An accumulation of snow is important in order to maintain a cover of natural insulation to prevent freezing. The area over the absorption field should have good vegetation cover, but shrubs or trees should not be planted over the area.

Daily Operations

• Conserve Water
• Dispose of Solids Appropriately
• Spread Water Loading
• Divert Water Wastes
• Dispose of Chemicals and Fuels at Approved Waste Sites
• Use Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Products
• Protect the Leaching Bed
• Maintain the Right Drainage

What to Know About Your Septic Tank

• Date system was installed

• Size of septic tank in gallons

• Maintenance Records

• Date septic tank was last pumped out

• Where your septic tank is located