Maintenance and Inspection

Septic system maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.  Systems should be periodically inspected and pumped.  If properly maintained, a septic system should provide long-term treatment of household wastewater.

Septic maintenance can be as easy as following a few simple do’s and don’ts.

Maintenance do’s

• Reduce water usage
• Have your septic tank professionally pumped on a regular basis
• Keep vehicles off of septic tanks and absorption fields
• Direct water from downspouts away from the drain field
• Inspect your septic tank (every 1 to 3 years)
• Limit garbage disposal use
• Install risers for easy access to the septic tank

Maintenance don’ts

• Flush solid wastes such as diapers, cigarettes, coffee grounds, condoms, tampons, etc.
• Put strong cleaning chemicals down the drain
• Construct patios, carports, or use landscaping fabric over the absorption field
• Landscape with trees over the absorption field Septic system self inspections can be performed by you, the homeowner. The following brochures provide information on how to make a measuring stick for the stick test and also how to perform the stick test.