What maintenance does a septic system need?

The biggest maintenance task is pumping the solids from the tank. After a few years, the solids that accumulate in the tank need to be removed and disposed of properly If not removed, the solids will spill over into the drainfield and clog the soil. With proper maintenance, a septic system can work efficiently for many years. These factors determine how often your tank will need to be pumped:

• the size of your tank;
• the volume of your wastewater;
• the amount of solids in your wastewater.

Extension publication AG 439-13, Septic Systems and Their Maintenance, gives guidelines for pumping. Seasonally used systems, such as those of vacation homes and summer cottages, will not need to be pumped as often as year-round residences. The use of a garbage disposal, however, doubles the amount of solids in your system, and your tank will need to be pumped more often. Here are some tips for proper maintenance:

• Limit the use of garbage disposals.
• Do not use too much water. (A good limit is 50 gallons per person per day.)
• Do not add materials such as facial tissues, hygiene products, or cigarette butts to wastewater.
• Do not pour cooking oils or grease down the drain.
• Maintain a grass or other vegetative covering over the drainfield.
• Keep autos and heavy equipment off of the system.

What should not be flushed through a septic system?

The following substances should not be put in the septic system:

• cooking grease, oils, or fats;
• pesticides;
• paints;
• paint thinners;
• solvents;
• disinfectants; and
• other household chemicals.

Cooking grease, oils or fats should be placed in a container and put in household garbage that will be landfilled. Pesticides, paints, paint thinners, solvents, disinfectants and other household chemicals are toxic substances that threaten ground water quality. They may also kill the microorganisms that help purify the sewage. For information on safe disposal of these chemicals, contact your county extension office.