A Reference
Guide
for
YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM
From the Fredon
Township Environmental Commission
|
Caring
for Your Septic System
|
The accumulated
solids in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out every three
(3) to five (5) years to prolong the life of your system. Septic
systems must be maintained regularly to continue working.
Neglect or abuse
of your septic system can cause it to fail. Failing septic systems
can:
-
Cause a serious health
threat to your family and neighbors,
-
Degrade the environment,
especially lakes, stream and groundwater,
-
Reduce the value of
your property,
-
Be very expensive to
repair, and
-
Put thousands of water
supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and
fail to maintain your system.
Be alert to these
warning signs of a failing system:
-
Sewage surfacing over
the drainfield (especially after storms)
-
Sewage back-ups in the
house
-
Lush, green growth over
the drainfield
-
Sewage odors
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 |
Tips to Avoid Trouble
DO have your
tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5 years by a licensed septic
contractor (listed in the yellow pages).
DO keep a
record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.
DO practice
water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets,
run washing machines and dishwashers only when full, avoid long showers,
and use water-saving features in faucets, shower heads and toilets.
DO learn
the location of your septic system and drainfield. Keep a sketch
of it handy for service visits. If your system has a flow diversion
valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters
can add many years to the life of your system.
DO divert
root drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the
septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains away from
the septic system as well.
DO take leftover
hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection
center for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet
bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with the product labels.
DON’T allow
anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over
the drainfield should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass
cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog or damage your
drain lines.
DON’T make
or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health
department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when
needed.
DON’T use
commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help
and some may hurt your system in the long run.
DON’T use
your septic system as a trash can by dumping nondegradables down
your toilet or drains. Also, don’t poison your septic system and
the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They
can kill beneficial bacteria the treat your wastewater.
