Homeowner's
Guide
to
Systems
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YoWl 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.
Soil
Groundwater
rotect Your Septic System
1 Inspect your system (every 3 years) and pump your tank as necessary
(generally every 3 to 5 years).
2 Use water efficiently.
3 Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
4 Care for your drainfield. Avoid driving or parking vehicles on your
drainfield. Plant only grass over and near your drainfield to avoid
damage from roots.
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does it work?
A typical septic system has four mam 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 polyeth-
ylene. 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 matenals. 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 treat-
ment by the soil.
Microorganisms in the soil provide final treat-
ment by removing harmful bactena, viruses,
and nutrients.
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nOW
do I maintain my septic system?
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.
Dnpping 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 treatment
taking place in the system or might contaminate surface
waters and groundwater.
se Water Efficiently!
• Fill the bathtub with only as
much water as you need
• Turn off faucets while shaving
or brushing your teeth
• Run the dishwasher and
clothes washer only when
they're full
• Use toilets to flush sanitary
waste only (not kitty litter,
diapers, or other trash)
• Make sure all faucets are
completely turned off when
not in use
• Maintain your plumbing to
eliminate leaks
• Install aerators in the faucets
in your kitchen and bathroom
• Replace old dishwashers,
toilets, and clothes washers
with new, high-efficiency
models
For more information on water
conservation, please visit
www.epa.gov/owm/water-
efficiency
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should I maintain my septic system?
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expen-
sive 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 and
disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen,
phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic
plant nutnents that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water
can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobmemia (also known as blue baby syn-
drome) 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.
ow to treat your drainfield
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.
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For more information, contact your local health department
v/owm/onsite
&EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
832-B-02-006
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