Why Maintain Your System?

There are three important health reasons for maintaining your septic system:

1. The first reason is the health of your pocket book. Poor maintenance results in failed systems requiring repairs at a minimum and sometimes system replacement. Rpairs or replacement costs can be thousands of dollars, whereas a periodic inspection and pumping costs about $100-$200.
2. The second reason is the health of our family, your community and the environment. Untreated sewage contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses, as well as unhealthy amounts of nitrate and other chemicals. Failed septic systems can allow untreated sewage to seep into wells, groundwater, and surface waterbodies, where people get their drinking water and recreate.
3. The third reason is the health of your economy. Contamination of waterbodies by failed septic systems pollutes water supplies closes shellfish beds and recreational areas, and creates offensive odors. Quality of life, recreational opportunities, livelihoods and touism decline, and with them go the property values and economic vitality of the area.

How Do You Maintain Your System?

Proper care of your system requires day-to-day management as well as periodic maintenance. It also requires that you know hwhere your system is. The more you know about how your system operates and how it should be maintained, the better able you will bhe to protect your investment in your home and property, protect your family’s health, and protect your environment.

Septic System Ongoing Maintenance

If you live in a rural area you probably have a septic system instead of a sewer connection. Taking care of your septic system isn’t difficult, because modern systems function efficiently when you follow a few basic guidelines.

Put these tips to use for a clean and trouble-free septic system.

Divert Rainwater From the Septic Drainfield

• A soggy drainfield won’t absorb and neutralize liquid waste. Plan landscaping, roof gutters and foundation drains so that excess water is diverted away from the septic drainfield.

Don’t Overload the Septic Tank and Drainfield

• Check faucets and toilets for leaks; make repairs if necessary.
• Use aerators on faucets and flow reducer nozzles on showers to help lower water consumption.
• Reduce water levels for small loads of laundry.
• Wait until the dishwasher is full to run it.
• Use a displacer to reduce the amount of water needed to flush the toilet.

Keep Trees Away from the Septic System

• Discourage root damage by keeping trees at least 100 feet away from the septic system.
• Trees with very aggressive roots, such as willows, should be even farther away from the system.

The Toilet Isn’t a Garbage Disposal

• Never flush cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, or cigarette butts and filters. They’ll clog your septic tank in less time than you might imagine.

Use Garbage Disposals Wisely

• A garbage disposal can double the amount of solids added to a septic tank.
• Choose a top-line disposal that grinds food into tiny particles that are easier for a system to digest.

Minimize Heavy Duty Cleaners

• Overuse of heavy cleaners kills beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids won’t break down as well.

Do Not Pour Grease Down the Drain

• Grease can clog the septic drainfield, making it impossible for soil to absorb liquids. If that happens you’ll need a new drainfield.

Avoid Hazardous Chemicals

• Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other similar chemicals can ruin your system and are a hazard to groundwater. Dispose of them properly.

Protect the System from Damage

• Do not drive over the drainfield, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt.
• Do plant grass on the drainfield to minimize soil erosion.

Perform Regular Maintenance

• Solids must eventually be pumped from the tank. Many experts advise a family of four with a 1,000 gallon septic tank to have the tank pumped after 3-5 years of full time use. Other experts say you can go much longer between pumping operations.
• Never attempt to open a septic tank yourself. Gases and bacteria in it are dangerous.