SEPTIC SYSTEMS
Septic systems are a cost-effective and long-term option for treating wastewater when sewers are not available. However, regular maintenance is critical to keeping them operating effectively. If not properly maintained, septic systems can begin to fail, causing wastewater to back up into your home or yard, where it can pollute local waterways when it rains.
What Are Septic Systems?
Septic systems are onsite sewage treatment systems that use a combination of natural and technical processes. if you own a septic system, your waste is treated on your property and you as the homeowner are responsible for the maintenance of your system.
How Do Septic Systems Work?
Typical septic systems consist of a septic tank that stores and treats the sewage from your home, and then an absorption or drainfield that releases the remaining water into nearby soil.
There are 5 major steps to this type of treatment:
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Wastewater runs from your home into a septic tank.
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The septic tank holds the wastewater long enough for solids to settle and oil and grease to float to the top.
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The liquid wastewater passes through a T-shaped outlet out of the tank and into the drainfield.
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Once in the drainfield, the pretreated wastewater is discharged throughout the drainfield.
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Finally, the wastewater moves through the soil, naturally removing harmful coliform bacteria, viruses and nutrients.
Failing Septic Systems
Proper maintenance can mean the difference between effective treatment and raw sewage entering our waterways. Failing septic systems release untreated waste into your yard and nearby waterways.
Septic System Maintenance
Knowing and maintaining your system is not complicated and doesn’t need to be expensive. It all comes down to four basic elements: 1) knowing what can go down your drain, 2) inspection with pumping as needed, 3) drainfield care, and 4)water efficiency.
Knowing What Can Go
Down the Drain
Septic system maintenance starts with knowing what can be flushed down the toilet, ground in the garbage disposal, or poured down the drain. What goes in your septic system can have a major impact on how well it works. A good rule is to only flush human waste and toilet paper down the toilet, and never pour fats, oils, or grease down the sink. These items can clog pipes and drainfields, ultimately leading to a septic system failure.
Inspection with Pumping as Needed
Systems should be inspected at least every three years and pumped every 3-5 years. The frequency at which your septic system needs to be pumped depends on the size of your household, the amount of waste generated, volume of solids in the wastewater, and the size of your septic tank. The inspector checking your system can tell you how full your tank is. Not pumping your tank can result in your septic system becoming overloaded and failing to work properly. A failing septic system will need to be replaced which often comes with a large price tag.
Drainfield Care
Your drainfield is the part of your system that allows the water from your septic tank to soak into the nearby soil. Never park or drive on your drainfield, as this can damage the pipes and cause the system to back up. Do not plant trees and other deep-rooted vegetation on or near the drainfield, as it can damage the pipes. Finally, keep any rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area. Any excess water can slow or stop the treatment process.
Water Efficiency
Using water efficiently also helps keep your septic system working effectively. The more water you conserve, the less work your septic system must do. This improves the operation of your system and reduces the risk that it will fail.