Septic Tank Maintenance and Care

Contrary to common belief, septic tanks are not maintenance free. However, properly designed septic tanks installed correctly and not overloaded with water or household grease or solids from garbage disposals normally function well for many years.

Preventive Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is the best approach for septic tanks. Preventative measures include:

· Monitoring sludge and scum levels in the septic tank on an annual basis.

· Minimizing grease, solids from garbage disposals, chemicals and other materials. Discharge from grease traps cannot go to the drainfield unless it goes through the septic tank.

· Reducing water flow into sewers and never emptying water from downspouts into the septic tank. Direct surface water away from the drainfield.

· Planting grass over the septic tank and drainfield to reduce erosion and to absorb moisture and nutrients.

· Avoiding traffic or wheel loads over the septic tank and drainfield. Don't put driveways over drainfields or tanks.

· Removing trees from the drainfield area to avoid tree root problems.

· Getting help when you suspect a problem, to minimize the damage.

· Checking with your local health department before purchasing a lot for home construction if you plan to install a septic tank. This cannot be overemphasized.

· Repair leaking plumbing fixtures to avoid complete soil saturation and premature tank failure. Add water-saving fixtures and shower heads to reduce loading on the soil. Allow only household waste to be disposed into the system. Put kitchen grease and garbage into the trash, not in the septic tank.

· Septic tanks require periodic cleaning (pumping out) to remove accumulated solids. Do not allow the septic tank to fill with solids and overflow into the drainfield. If this happens, the soil in the drainfield can become sealed (water will not percolate into the soil) and is very expensive to repair.

· The solid level in the tank should be monitored annually and pumped out before overflow occurs. Unfortunately, most homeowners will not do this. If checks are not made on solids levels, the tank should be cleaned every five years or so. It is difficult to predict how fast solids will build up in the tanks because many factors are involved. When you decide to pump out the septic tank, contact your local health department for a list of approved contractors who are permitted to handle this waste.

Contact your local health department or county Extension agent for more information.

For the complete publication go to: http://www.fcs.uga.edu/pubs/current/C819-3.html

Debbie Wilburn is County Extension Agent in Family and Consumer Science with the Hall County Extension Service (770)535-8290 [email protected]