By Mike Ekberg, manager for water resources monitoring and analysis
The old saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” rings especially true if you have a septic system.
Consider this: It only costs about $300 every four years to maintain your septic system. But it can cost $7,000 to $10,000 or more to repair or replace it. Plus, a poorly maintained septic system can contaminate groundwater/drinking water and spread disease.
You can’t put a price on the health and safety of your family.
What is a septic system?
Septic systems are highly efficient, self-contained, underground wastewater treatment systems. They are commonly found in rural areas and often consist of a septic tank and a drainfield.
You are probably on a septic system if:
- You use well water.
- The water line coming into your home does not have a meter.
- Your neighbors have a septic system.
Septic Smart Week
Septic Smart Week is Sept. 17-21 and a good time to not only have your system maintained but review ways to keep your system working well.
Maintaining your septic system
Inspect and pump regularly: In general, your septic system should be inspected every one to three years and pumped every three to five years by a certified septic system professional.
Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the system: Consider using high-efficiency toilets and showerheads. When using the washing machine, be sure to select the proper load size to avoid using more water than needed.
Flush with care: Don’t flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Never flush:
- Paints
- Chemicals
- Medications
- Feminine hygiene products
- Dental floss
Take care at the drain:
- Never pour cooking oil or grease down the drain.
- Never pour oil-based paints or solvents down the drain.
- Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal.
- Never park or drive on your drainfield.
- Plant trees an appropriate distance from your drainfield. A septic service professional can help you with the property distance.
- Keep roof drains, sump pumps and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield areas. Excess water can slow or stop the wastewater treatment process.
How to care for your septic system
Information for this blogpost was taken directly from the Environmental Protection Agency’s “A Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems.”
Blog of the Miami Conservancy District 
Thank you so much for informing me that drainage water from your roof and other places should be sent away from the septic system as that much excess water can harm the treatment process. About a week ago, I was talking to my cousin, and they mentioned that their new home, that they have been living in for a few months, has a septic tank. I do not know if they know how to care for a septic system, so I will have to tell them your tips and help them look for pumping services that they can trust.
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