Ten Simple Steps to Septic System Maintenance

Septic drainfield failures and sewage backups are all too common among homeowners and small businesses. As a homeowner, it is your responsibility to maintain your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system working in optimum condition and help maintain your investment in your home. The failure of a septic system can cause major household issues, contaminate the ground water that you or your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby lakes and rivers.

People typically ignore their septic tank and drainfield until there are odors, slow drains, sewage backups, or sewage appearing in the yard. These are the most obvious signs of a septic system problem. You can greatly extend the life of a septic system by taking care of it. Preventative maintenance goes a long way. The best, most basic way to keep you system working properly is to have your septic tank pumped on a regular schedule (typically every 3 to 5 years). That's far more important than any magic additives, septic helper, or septic chemicals which usually are of little use and sometimes are downright harmful.

Here are ten simple steps that the US EPA suggests we follow to keep our septic tanks operating efficiently while minimizing the opportunity for septic issues

1. Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records. (The EPA's Homeowner Septic System Checklist can help you keep up with septic maintenance information)
2. Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.
3. Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every three to five years).
4. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
5. Keep other household items, such as feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
6. Use water efficiently. The less water you put into your system, the less there is to process.
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 drainfield.
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 roof 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.

The U.S. EPA does not regulate septic systems, however, state and local governments do regulate the use of these systems.

Back to Plumbing Resources.