What Are Septic Systems?
Septic systems treat and disperse relatively
small volumes of wastewater from individual or
small numbers of homes and commercial
buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a
state, tribal, and local responsibility. EPA
provides information to homeowners and
assistance to state and local governments to
improve the management of septic systems to
prevent failures that could harm human health
and water quality.
Septic systems treat and disperse relatively
small volumes of wastewater from individual or
small numbers of homes and commercial
buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a
state, tribal, and local responsibility. EPA
provides information to homeowners and
assistance to state and local governments to
improve the management of septic systems to
prevent failures that could harm human health
and water quality.
Information for Homeowners
If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible
for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will
help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you or
your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly.
How does it work?
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil.
Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.
The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the
wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as
scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic
tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also
recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged
into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing
harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Your septic system is your responsibility!
Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that
maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that you should periodically
inspect your system and pump out your septic tank? If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic
system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained,
you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good
working order.
How do I maintain my septic system?
If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible
for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will
help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you or
your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly.
- Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
- Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.
- Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every three to five years).
- Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
- Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter
out of your system. - Use water efficiently.
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage
the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drainfield. - Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your
system may not drain properly under compacted soil. - Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
- Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not
eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.
How does it work?
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil.
Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater.
The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the
wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as
scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic
tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also
recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged
into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing
harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
Your septic system is your responsibility!
Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that
maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that you should periodically
inspect your system and pump out your septic tank? If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic
system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained,
you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate
groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good
working order.
- Pump frequently...
- You should have your septic system inspected at least every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped
as necessary (generally every 3 to 5 years).
- Use water efficiently...
- Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping
faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons
each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system.
- Flush responsibly...
- Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat
litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom items can clog and potentially damage septic system
components. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze and paint can stress or
destroy the biological treatmen taking place in the system or might contaminate surface waters and
groundwater.
How do I maintain my septic system?
- Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage
the drainfield. - Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield
or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic system components. - Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or surface water drainage systems away
from the drainfield. Flooding the drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and
can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.
| Septic Systems |
| Home Inspections by Licensed Professionals |
Why should I maintain my septic system?
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money!
Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and
poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system
inspected (at least every 3 years) is a bargain when you
consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will
need pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many
people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable
septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value
and could pose a legal liability. Other good reasons for safe
treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection
an disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in
household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-
causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are
aquati plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms.
Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking wate can cause pregnancy
complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as
blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause
communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact
or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system
is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these
pollutants.
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money!
Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and
poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system
inspected (at least every 3 years) is a bargain when you
consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will
need pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many
people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable
septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value
and could pose a legal liability. Other good reasons for safe
treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection
an disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in
household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-
causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are
aquati plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms.
Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking wate can cause pregnancy
complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as
blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause
communicable diseases through direct or indirect body contact
or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system
is working properly, it will effectively remove most of these
pollutants.
| Engineering, Inspection & Testing, Inc. |