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.
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.
- 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.
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.
