How can a septic system be kept in good working order?

• By having a professional pumper remove the solids and scum from the tank on a regular basis, at least every three years.
• By eliminating the use of "starters", cleaners, degreasers, and other additives the can kill the "friendly" bacteria that are already working for you for free.
• By maintaining adequate vegetation over the drainfield to make use of the discharge water.
• By keeping surface water from standing (ponding) above the drainfield.
• By keeping vehicles and equipment that can compact the soil off the drainfield.
• By conserving water.
• Winterize your septic system (see article on frozen septic systems).

Good Septic system habits include:

• Using low-phosphate dishwasher and laundry detergents
• Use toilet tissue that breaks up easily when wet.
• Do not deposit coffee grounds, cooking fats, facial tissue, diapers, tampons, wet strength towels, or cigarette butts.
• Eliminate or minimize the use of a garbage disposal.
• Keep hazardous household waste out of the septic system.
• Use Potassium Chloride pellets in your water softener to keep sodium chloride out of your septic system.

How to tell if your septic system is failing:

• Sewage backs up in your drains or toilets. It may be black with a bad odor. (It always happens when you have guests.)
• Sluggish toilet flushing. Even if you use plungers or drain cleaners, drains may continue to be slower than usual.
• Wet areas or water seepage near the drainfield. It may or may not have an odor.
• Excessive growth of aquatic vegetation in the lake near your home. Incomplete treatment of nutrient rich water seeping into the ground promotes this growth.
• Unpleasant odors around your home. This may result from either an improper venting system or a filing septic system.
• Bacteria or nitrates found in your well water. This indicates a serious water contamination problem that may come from your own failing system or your neighbors.
• Biodegradable dye flushed through your system shows up in the lake.
•  Return to LHCA Main Page
•  Tips to prevent frozen septic systems
•  Understanding the parts of your septic system