SEPTIC - General Information

A septic tank is a sewage disposal tank in which waste material is decomposed by anaerobic bacteria (not needing oxygen). As a homeowner, you are responsible for taking care of your septic system. Proper septic system care will be of use to keep your system from faulting 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.

Here are ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly.

1.   Locate your septic tank and drain field. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
2.   Have your septic system inspected at least every three years. (Aerobic systems should have three

      preventative maintenance services per year).
3.   Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every three years).
4.   Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
5.   Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and

      cat litter out of your system.
6.   Use water efficiently.
7.   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 drain field.
8.   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.
9.   Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
10. 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.

This information was found on: http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/homeowners.cfm

 

The above paraphrased (or quoted where indicated) information was taken from the U.S. Government EPA and CDC websites concerning Septic Systems. You will find a wealth of information there as well as web links to other informational resources. We are not “experts” on Septic Systems and are providing what we believe is accurate information from reliable resources. However, we cannot guarantee (nor be held liable) that this information is true or up to date, nor that the resources upon which we relied are knowledgeable or accurate.

If you would like more information on septic tanks please visit the following web links:

http://www.wellowner.org/awaterwellbasics/septicsystems.shtml

http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm

http://www.laundry-alternative.com/septic_tank_info.html

http://homebuying.about.com/cs/septicsystems/a/septic_care.htm

http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/home.cfm