Curious about how a septic system works? Click on Septic System 101 to go directly to the bottom of this webpage for an explanation.

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
Your septic system is an important part of your home. It treats the water you use everyday. A failed septic system is very expensive to fix and can be a significant source of ground and surface water contamination. Periodic maintenance will prevent failure to a properly constructed system. Follow these simple steps to help protect your home investment and water quality.

Pump it out. Septic tanks should be inspected every 2 to 3 years. When necessary, have your tank pumped out by a reputable septic tank service contractor, who is required to have a state permit to handle and dispose of the materials. Businesses are listed in the telephone directory, or you can call your County Health Department.

Conserve water. To keep your septic system functioning properly, avoid flooding the drain field with excess water. Conserve water inside your home and spread out water-intensive activities like showers, dishwashing and laundry.

Avoid harsh chemicals. Drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and “miracle system cleaners” will kill the bacteria that are necessary to break down sludge in your septic system. Check product labels to see if they are safe for use in septic systems. Check out the Home Toxics Tips webpage for alternatives to toxic cleaners. (Click on the "less toxic alternatives" link on that page.)

Use a trash can. Septic systems are designed for disposal of toilet wastes, tissue, soaps and water used from bathing, laundry and dishwashing. Disposing of improper solids in your septic can cause clogging and failure since the system can’t break down the material. Dispose of solids such as cigarette butts, diapers, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms and grease in your household trash.

Avoid field compaction. Be sure you know the location of your septic tank and drain field. Never park, drive or build on your tank or drain field. Soil compaction and paving breaks pipes and prevents oxygen from getting into the soil (bacteria need oxygen to break down and treat sewage).

Check for signs of failure. Look for areas in your lawn that remain moist during dry times. Check for excessive grass or plant growth. If you live near a creek, river or lake, check for excessive plant and algae growth along the shoreline. If you see signs of failure, schedule an inspection and necessary repairs immediately.

Septic System 101 (or How Septic Systems Work)
[NOTE: The following information was excerpted from a program developed by Purdue University in conjunction with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It provides a basic description of the common septic system, also known as "on-site waste water disposal" or "domestic waste water disposal system."]

The purpose of on-site disposal systems is to provide for the treatment of household wastes using natural processes. A septic system is the most common method for treating the waste from a rural residence.

A typical system consists of three main components.

1. Waste exits the house and enters the septic tank where solids settle out and grease and scum floats to the top. This is the first stage of treatment.

2. Next, liquid effluent flows through the distribution box. A hydraulic pump is sometimes needed if the absorption site is higher than the septic tank, or if an elevated mound is used.

3. Finally, the effluent arrives at the absorption field where it is evenly distributed to the soil for treatment. Under ideal conditions microorganisms on the surface of the soil particles consume the organic pollutants in the effluent.

   The solids that settle to the bottom of the tank slowly decompose. Gas bubbles given off during this process rise to the top of the tank, carrying with them fats, oils, and greases. The tank outlet is located between these two layers, where the clearest liquid is found.

The absorption field (sometimes called a leach or drainage field) consists of several lateral pipes that allow the effluent to slowly flow out through holes positioned along the length of the pipe.

The distribution of pipe laterals are located inside soil absorption trenches. The trenches provide the surface area needed for the effluent to be in maximum contact with the soil. Gravel normally supports the pipe and forms an envelope around the pipe, to protect it from roots and varmints.

The effluent flows though the gravel and enters the soil both below and to the side of the trench.

Effluent moves downward with the force of gravity in a process called percolation. As it percolates through the soil, minute solids, bacteria, and nutrients are removed from the effluent.

Last Updated: September 2006