Effluent Filter
(inside)
Gases
Grease Layer
Liquid
Sludge Layer
Effluent
Input from
Home Source
Output to
Drainfield
Generalized cross-section of a household septic tank
(Adapted from Hoover, M. T. 1997. “SoilFacts: Septic Systems and their Maintenance.” North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service. http://ces.soil.ncsu.edu/soilscience/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439-13/ Visited 11/9/01.)
Water Conservation
Good Habits for a
Healthy Septic System
• Inspect and pump your septic tank every
3-5 years. All tanks need to be pumped regularly
by a trained professional to remove solids and
prevent the soil in your drainfield from clogging.
• Protect your drainfield. Do not park on,
drive over or build on top of drainfields. Grassy
vegetation must be maintained to absorb
nutrients from the soil, but trees should be
avoided.
• Do not add cleaners, yeast, additives or
other chemicals to your tank. These
substances do not eliminate the need to pump
your tank and can push solids out into your
drainfield. They may also contain carcinogens
that can get into our water supplies.
• Reduce the amount of solids added to your
wastewater. The more solids you add, the more
often the tank needs to be pumped and the
higher the risk of drainfield failure.
• Check for and fix leaks in household
fixtures. Leaks can double the amount of
wastewater generated.
• Install low-flow toilets and shower heads.
While some low-flow toilets require double
flushing and should be avoided, there are many
effective and inexpensive toiletsand shower
heads that reduce water flow.
• Spread out loads of laundry. Washing
machines can cause hydraulic overload,
especially during and after rain.
• Generally conserve the amount of water
used. Run only full washing machines and
dishwashers, and turn off water when not in
use. In general, the less water you use in the
home, the better your septic system can
function.
Septic System Shape Up!
SIGNS OF SEPTIC SYSTEM FAILURE:
• Wet spots or standing water - Areas that remain wet after rain events or appear without precipitation
should be investigated, since effluent can seep up from a failing system and puddle on the ground.
• Odd growth patterns - Green lines on your drainfield that follow the path of the pipes are normal;
however, green blobs not in line with pipes, random patches of lush growth and bulls-eye patterns
(dead areas surrounded by green growth) all indicate problems in the drainfield.
• Slow drains or backups - If wastewater is slow to drain and your plumbing is working properly, there
may be a problem with backup in your septic tank.
• Septic odor - Easy to detect, odor is one of the best problem indicators.
PROPER MAINTENANCE TO PREVENT PROBLEMS:
• Leaky fixtures - One of the most common causes of septic failure, leaking fixtures can cause
hydraulic overload. Toilets are particularly problematic and should be monitored for leaks.
• Gutters, downspouts or paved surfaces pointing or draining toward your drainfield - Excess
water on the drainfield saturates the soil and prevents wastewater from being disposed of and treated
properly. All paved surfaces and water-diversion devices should point water away from your drainfield.
• Garbage disposal - Food grinders can double the volume of solids in your wastewater. This causes
septic tanks to fill faster and requires them to be pumped much more frequently. Disposals should
not be used with septic systems.
Red Flags:
Avoid Septic System Failure
There are many things to watch for that can indicate septic system problems or
failure. Keep in mind, however, that there can also be problems beneath the land
surface that may not be visible. Proper maintenance and use of septic systems
are essential to preventing problems.