1. Septic Systems and New Homeowners
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2. Overview
Properly functioning septic systems are highly effective in treating wastewater
25% of the U.S. population utilizes a septic or on-site treatment system (National Small Flows Clearinghouse)
Maintenance will help to:
Protect your family’s health
Save you money
Protect the environment
Protect your home’s value
Your septic system is your very own backyard wastewater treatment system. Properly functioning on-site wastewater treatment systems are highly effective in treating household wastewater without negatively affecting groundwater or surface water supplies.
On-site systems are increasing in popularity across the country due to recent surges in rural, acreage, and lakeside development. The National Small Flows Clearinghouse reports that about 25% of the U.S. population utilizes a septic or other on-site treatment system.
However, your septic system is your responsibility! You are the owner, operator, and maintenance man for your system. Though it may not be a high priority now, regular septic system maintenance is a must, and will:
protect your family’s health,
save you money,
protect the environment, and
protect your home’s value.
The responsibility of septic system ownership can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to view the system’s proper functioning as an investment in your home. You should learn how a septic system operates, find where your system is located, and look into when the system was last inspected and pumped. You should also investigate certified contractors in your area so if your system does have a problem, you know who to call. Your state department of environmental quality or similar agency should be able to direct you to local certified contractors.
And remember, there is no substitute for regular maintenance to ensure your system is functioning properly!
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3. Overview Septic system ownership = responsibility Learn more about:
System operation
Last inspection
Last pumping
Area certified contractors
There is NO substitute for regular septic system maintenance.
Your septic system is your very own backyard wastewater treatment system. Properly functioning on-site wastewater treatment systems are highly effective in treating household wastewater without negatively affecting groundwater or surface water supplies.
The responsibility of septic system ownership can seem overwhelming, but it’s important to view the system’s proper functioning as an investment in your home.
You should learn how a septic system operates, find where your system is located, and look into when the system was last inspected and pumped. You should also investigate certified contractors in your area so if your system does have a problem, you know who to call. Your state department of environmental quality or similar agency should be able to direct you to local certified contractors.
And remember, there is no substitute for regular maintenance to ensure your system is functioning properly!
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4. Did You Know?
Septic systems have two components – the septic tank and the drainfield.
Everything flushed down the toilet or drain ends up in the septic system.
Improper maintenance is the most common cause of septic system failure.
More than 4 billion gallons of wastewater/day are discharged per day through septic systems.
Septic systems have two main components - the septic tank and drainfield. Initial treatment occurs in the tank, where bacteria break down organic matter and separate solids from liquids. The liquids flow out of the tank into the drainfield, where natural soil processes complete the sewage treatment process.
Everything that is flushed down the toilet or drain will end up in your septic system - so be mindful of what enters the system.
Improper maintenance is the most common cause of costly septic system repair or replacement.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that more than 4 billion gallons of wastewater are discharged below the ground’s surface every day through septic systems.
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5. Septic System
Waste enters the tank from household plumbing and enters the septic tank. The tank holds the waste long enough to allow solids and liquids to separate and form three layers:
Scum layer – solids lighter than water, such as greases or oils, float to the top
Liquid layer – partially clarified wastewater
Sludge – solids heavier than water settle at the bottom of the tank
Treatment of the wastewater begins in the septic tank as naturally-occurring bacteria in the sewage work to break down the organic matter in the tank. Sludge and scum that cannot be broken down remain in the tank until it is pumped. The partially clarified liquid layer then flows through an effluent filter out of the tank and into the drainfield for final treatment.
The wastewater (effluent) entering the drainfield may contain many potentially harmful microorganisms and pollutants, many of which can be effectively removed through soil treatment. Water flows through the perforated pipes or chambers and slowly trickles through the gravel and into the surrounding soil, where the natural processes in the soil complete the sewage treatment process.
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6. Did You Know?
Systems should be inspected every three years and pumped as necessary.
Regulations often dictate minimum setback distances to drinking water sources.
Failing septic systems can cause increased levels of bacteria, viruses, and nitrate.
Inspections cost between $50-$150, pumpings between $100-$400, and system replacement $3,000-$5,000 and up.
U.S. EPA recommends inspecting septic systems every three years and pumping as necessary, generally every three to five years.
State or local regulations often require a minimum distance between septic systems and drinking water wells, streams, lakes, and houses, referred to as separation or setback distances. Check with your local health department to learn more about regulations in your area.
A failing septic system can lead to disease-causing bacteria and viruses and nitrate levels in local groundwater and drinking water supplies.
Typical septic system inspections cost between $50 and $150, and pumping can cost between $100 and $400. System replacement can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $5,000 and up. Regular inspections and pumpings can save you the cost of replacing the entire system.
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7. What NOT to Do:
DON’T wait for the system to have problems before pumping the tank!
DON’T flush prescription or over-the-counter medications down the drain or toilet.
DON’T allow chlorine-treated water from swimming pools and hot tubs to enter the drainfield.
DON’T ignore your septic system!
DON’T wait for the system to have problems before pumping the tank!
DON’T flush unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications down the drain or toilet. The compounds in these materials can interrupt the system’s processes, causing inadequate wastewater treatment.
DON’T allow chlorine-treated water from swimming pools and hot tubs to enter the drainfield. Chlorine can kill the naturally-occurring bacteria in the tank, preventing proper wastewater treatment.
DON’T ignore your septic system! Any issues will only get worse with time.
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8. What NOT to Do:
DON’T pipe wastewater to a road ditch, storm sewer, or nearby surface water body.
DON’T rely on commercial septic tank additives, cleaners, feeders, starters, etc. to save you money as a substitute for regular system maintenance.
DON’T overuse chemical cleaners and detergents.
DON’T pipe wastewater to a road ditch, storm sewer, or nearby surface water body. This waste has not been treated and poses a serious risk to human and animal health, and for groundwater and surface water contamination.
DON’T rely on commercial septic tank additives, cleaners, feeders, starters, etc. to save you money as a substitute for regular system maintenance. Some of these can have a negative effect on the system’s function and end up costing more in the long run.
DON’T overuse chemical cleaners and detergents, which can interrupt the system’s treatment processes.
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9. What NOT to Do:
DON’T drive or park anything heavier than a lawnmower over any part of your system.
DON’T plant trees or shrubs near/over any part of your system.
DON’T dump grease or fats down any drain.
DON’T put any system-clogging materials down any toilet or drain.
DON’T drive or park anything heavier than a lawnmower over any part of your septic system, which can crush the system and compact the soil.
DON’T plant trees or shrubs near/over any part of your system, as roots from these plants can damage the drainfield and affect its ability to treat wastewater.
DON’T dump grease or fats down any drain, which can block or clog parts of the system.
DON’T put items such as feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, latex paint, pesticides or other hazardous materials into the system.
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10. What TO Do:
DO have your system inspected every three years, and pumped as recommended.
DO direct all household water into the system.
DO conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system.
DO learn the location of your septic system, and keep a sketch of its whereabouts.
DO have your system inspected every three years, and pumped as recommended, or every three to five years.
DO direct all household water into the system, including all sink, shower, toilet, washing machine, and dishwasher water, all of which can contain pollutants.
DO conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. Run full loads in the dish and clothes washers, consider installing high-efficiency water fixtures, install aerators on all household faucets, and repair leaky faucets and toilets to help conserve water.
DO learn the location of your septic system, and keep a sketch of its whereabouts. This will be helpful if you ever have any problems with your system, and when it comes time to have the system inspected and/or pumped.
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11. What TO Do: DO keep accurate maintenance records.
DO have your system inspected every few years and pumped by a licensed professional.
DO think of your septic system as an investment.
DO use a certified professional for all inspections and pumpings.
DO keep records of any repair, pumping, inspection, or any other maintenance activity.
DO have your system inspected every few years and pumped by a licensed professional.
DO think of your septic system as an investment—in your home’s value, your family’s health, and the well-being of your local environment.
DO use a certified professional for all inspections and pumpings.
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12. What TO do: DO know your system’s capacity.
DO make sure your system is properly sited and constructed by having an initial inspection.
DO divert surface water runoff from roofs, driveways, downspouts, etc. away from the drainfield.
DO know your system’s capacity. A smaller tank or larger household will require more frequent pumpings.
DO make sure your system is properly sited and constructed by having an initial inspection.
DO divert surface water runoff from roofs, driveways, downspouts, etc. away from the drainfield. Excess water can overload the system and cause it to fail.
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13. Contacts
Insert local contact information
The Groundwater Foundation
P.O. Box 22558
Lincoln, NE
Insert your local contact information.
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