Maintaining a Septic System
What is it important to maintain my Septic System?
A failing septic system can be very costly. Often times failing systems are impossible to repair and must be replaced. Even when the system CAN be repaired, the expense is much greater than that of a simple cleaning. A failing septic system can also cause your property value to go down. In other words, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
- Know where your system is located.
- Have the tank pumped by a licensed operator every 2-3 years, depending on use.
- Limit the amount of kitchen waste you put into the system through a garbage disposal
- Make normal use of bleaches, detergents, soaps, bowl cleaners or drain cleaners.
- DO NOT allow heavy vehicles to drive over the tile field.
- DO NOT allow trees and shrubs to grow over the septic field.
- DO NOT connect downspouts, sump pumps, or water softener backwash to the septic system.
We highly recommend that homeowners keep a diagram identifying the location of the septic tank and tile field for future reference. It is also beneficial to keep a record or log to record system maintenance.
Warning Signs
How do I know if there’s a problem? There are warning signs of septic system failure. Watch for the following:
- Odors, surfacing sewage, wet spots or lush vegetation in the drain field area.
- Plumbing or septic tank backups.
- Slow-Draining fixtures, not related to local clogging.
- Gurgling sounds in the plumbing system.
If you notice these signs or if you suspect a problem with your septic tank system, contact your local Health Department for assistance.