News Release
Septic System Operation and Maintenance
By Ken Olson
(Note: This is the fifth in a series of nine news articles on septic systems)
A septic system, just like a car, appliance, or tractor must be properly operated and maintained to ensure long-term, cost effective service. Many septic systems are installed and forgotten. After all, they're buried in the yard, "out of sight -- out of mind."
Licensed professionals design and install septic systems, but often uninformed homeowners are responsible for their operation and maintenance. Septic systems must treat all wastewater from our homes and prepare it for recycling back into nature while protecting human health and valuable water resources.
Septic systems fail for many reasons. Following are some simple home management techniques that will go a long way towards safe and cost effective sewage treatment:
Control Water Use
- Repair all leaky faucets, fixtures and appliances immediately.
- Install low water use fixtures and appliances (esp. toilets and shower heads).
- Do not empty roof drains and sump pump water into the septic system.
- Wash only full loads of clothing and dishes.
- Reduce length of showers and number of toilet flushings.
- Reroute water softener recharge water out of septic system.
- Spread water use as evenly as possible throughout the day and week.
- Eliminate harmful products from system
- Reduce/eliminate use of harsh cleaners, disinfectants, detergents and bleach.
- Dispose of solvents, paints, unwanted medications, through other means.
- Keep grease, lint, food particles, cigarette butts, paper towels, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, plastic and other solid products out of the system.
- Use only the necessary amounts of liquid phosphorous-free detergents and cleaners.
Additives
It is not necessary to use additives to enhance the performance of a properly operating septic system. If bacterial activity is low, it is because disinfectants and other products are killing the bacteria. Reducing or eliminating the use or disposal of these in the system will allow the bacteria to re- establish. Some additives cause solids to become suspended in the liquids. These solids will end up in the drain field, causing significant damage.
Cleaning/pumping the septic tank
- The septic tank must be cleaned or pumped regularly to remove all solids. Warning: Never go into the septic tank -- it lacks oxygen and may contain dangerous gases!
- Always have the tank(s) cleaned through the manhole (20 to 24 inch opening).
- Flushing and back flushing is the most common method of agitating solids so they can all be removed.
- Inlet and outlet baffles should be inspected to be sure they are in place and functioning properly
Pumps and Filters
- All pumps and motors should be routinely checked for proper operation.
- Replace weak or faulty pumps and motors.
- Effluent filters should be cleaned or replaced regularly.
- Alarms on pumps and filters must be attended to immediately.
Vegetative Cover
- Mow but do not fertilize or water turf grasses over the drain field/mound.
- Keep heavy vehicles (cars, tractors, snowmobiles, etc.) off of tanks, drain fields or mounds.
- Maintain stands of appropriate plants on constructed wetland sites.
Many more detailed practices are spelled out in the Septic System Owner's Guide (PC-06583), available from all University of Minnesota Extension Service County Offices and the Extension Service Distribution Center, 1(800) 876-8636.
In the next article, in we'll talk about solutions to sewage treatment in difficult situations such as small lots and poor soil conditions.
Source & Writer: Ken Olson, Extension Educator; Onsite Sewage Treatment Program
Editor: Jack Sperbeck, Communications, (612) 625-1794, jsperbeck @extension.umn.edu
For More Information
Visit our web page at http://septic.umn.edu for information.
The Septic System Owner’s Guide is an excellent resource. To order, call 800-876-8636 or go to http://shop.extension.umn.edu. University of Minnesota Extension web site: http://www.extension.umn.edu.
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