Septic Maintenance

• Pressure manifold systems should be flushed and re-pressurized once a year.
• Low pressure pipe systems should be flushed and the pressure head reset once a year.
• All new septic systems should be equipped with an effluent filter to ensure the proper operation of your system and increase it's life.
• Be sure to clean your filter once a year. Pump systems should be checked for proper operation at no less than once a year.
  
  
  

Why You Should Maintain Your Septic System

Money
Failing or failed septic systems/tanks can be very expensive to repair or replace, with poor maintenance as the common cause. For example, it can cost up to $10,000 to replace a failing or failed septic system with a new one, while it may only cost up to $150 to have a septic system inspected, and only $250 to have it pumped. (prices are approximates only)

Health
Protection of the health of your family, community and environment. When a septic system fails, inadequately treated wastewater is released into the ground and the groundwater. Untreated human waste can also impose significant health risks.

Chemicals that are released through your septic system also have the ability to pollute groundwater resources. It is very important for homeowners to learn what should and should not be disposed of through a septic system. (see do's and don'ts at right)

Economy
Poor or failed septic systems can cause property values to decline. Building permits can be stalled or not issued and/or real estate sales can be delayed for area properties. Failed septic systems can also add to the pollution of rivers, lakes and shorelines.

Helpful Links

EPA's Homeowner's Septic Guide
North Carolina Septic Tank Association

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service Publications

SoilFacts Septic Systems and Their Maintenance
SoilFacts Septic System Owner's Guide

Septic System DO's and DON'Ts

Do...

• wash your laundry throughout the week. Washing all of your laundry on the same day can add more water to the system than it can handle.
• clean with biodegradable soaps and other cleaning agents.
• use a low-flow shower heads and spiggots. Showers attribute excess water to the system. If you don't want to use a low-flow shower head, try taking shorter showers.

Don't...

• put any kind of oil or grease down drains or toilets.
• put any paints, solvents or other chorosive agents of any kind down your drains.
• flush anything down the toilet except toilet tissue and what ever you have already eaten.
• don't forget your septic system. Maintain this valuable system well and you will reap the rewards.
• rely on the septic tank additives for the routine pumping of you tank. There is no substitute for a well maintained tank that is periodically pumped out.