Keeping Your Septic System F.I.T.

Keeping Your Septic System F.I.T.

Septic Systems One-third of the U.S. population uses septic systems. Too often, they are buried and forgotten until there is a problem. Sensible use and proper maintenance protects your health and the environment and saves you money.

Public Health Impacts Septic systems effectively remove disease-causing bacteria when working properly. If failing or malfunctioning, there is a high risk of groundwater and surface water contamination. Dysentery, hepatitis, typhoid fever, acute gastrointestinal illnesses.

Impacts to Coastal Waters Infectious diseases including eye and ear infections, dysentery, hepatitis Bacteria and excessive nutrients Algae blooms Closure of bathing beaches and commercial and recreational shellfish beds

If I told you what to do to make your septic system last forever, would you do it?

Simple DON T USE IT!

Keeping Your Septic System F.I.T. Find It! Inspect It! Take Care of It!

Find It! Know where your septic system is located. You ll need to know where it is in order to maintain and protect it. Contact us to request a copy of an asbuilt a diagram that shows where the system is located on your property and provides details about the type of system you have.

As-built Drawings We may have a copy of your as-built drawing on file. Contact the Septic System Operation and Maintenance Program at 253-798-6577. Leave a message with your site address, name, mailing address, parcel number, and phone number. You can print also print or request a copy of your as-built at tpchd.org/septic.

What is a Septic System? You own, operate, and maintain your very own small wastewater treatment plant. Basic system includes a tank and a drainfield of native soil on your property. You might also have a pump or other components necessary to safely handle and treat your wastewater.

Septic Tank and Pump Tank

Septic Tank Provides primary treatment Separates solids from liquids Bacterial digestion reduces the volume of solids Clear effluent leaves tank for drainfield

Time to Pump the Septic Tank?

So How Often is That? We recommend inspecting your system every three years. You can hire a certified inspector or check the system yourself. Pump as often as needed. Generally that means every three to five years.

Drainfield Drainfield and surrounding soil provide secondary treatment Removes bacteria and viruses Absorbs nitrogen and phosphorus

Typical Gravity System

Drainfield Trench

Drainfield Trench

Drainfield Trench - Gravel

Drainfield Trench - Gravelless

Pressure Systems Provide Equal Distribution

Alternative Systems Typically used on sites with poor or shallow soil or drainage problems: Mound Systems Glendon Biofilters Sand Filters Aerobic Treatment Units (Multiflo, FAST, Whitewater)

Alternative Systems

Alternative Systems

Alternative System Care Mounds, Glendon Biofilters, Sand Filters Damage from pets, livestock, foot or vehicle traffic, erosion Need routine professional service Aerobic Treatment Units UV light Need routine professional service

Inspect It! Once you know where your system is and what type you have, you should periodically inspect it to make sure it s working properly. Check your system at least once every three years. Hire a certified inspector or check it yourself.

Inspection Items Effluent level Scum level Sludge level Baffles Outlet filter Pump chamber Drainfield condition

Septic Tank Outlet Filter Protects the pump and drainfield from carry over of solids Needs periodic cleaning to prevent clogging once a year is good Wash off into tank

Take Care of It! There are some simple things you can do every day to help keep your septic system working properly and extend its working life. Conserving water, reducing your use of harsh cleaning chemicals, and limiting the types of items that go down your drain are just a few examples.

Take Care of It! The least expensive septic system you will ever own is the one you have now! Protect your investment and maintain your property value. Minimize long-term system costs.

Take Care of It! Protect public health and water quality. Reduce the potential for failure and extend system life. Find small problems before they become BIG problems.

Conserve Water

Conserve Water Run and drain appliances like the washing machine and dishwasher one at a time. Spread laundry out over the entire week. Let the tank rest between loads and avoid partial loads. Use water saving fixtures. Fix all leaks on faucets and toilets.

Your Tank is Not a Garbage Can! Don t flush solid waste no cigarettes, diapers, tampons, coffee grounds, grease, or condoms. Don t use a garbage disposal unless you are sure your system was designed for it. Don t use additives.

Septic Tank Additives Additive manufacturers must prove product does not contain any ingredients that will harm the environment, but do not have to prove the product works.

Don t Poison the System Never dump paint thinner, drain cleaners, solvents, or other strong chemicals down the drain. Don t use a lot of bleach or cleansers. Don t flush unused medication down the drain.

Try Greener Cleaners Baking soda and liquid castile soap to clean tubs, sinks, and toilets Vinegar and water to clean windows, mirrors, and linoleum floors Baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water to unclog drains

Take Care of the Drainfield Keep the grass mowed Remove tree seedlings Divert overland water flow Never drive or park on the drainfield Keep livestock off Don t pave over it or cover it with plastic Take a walk!

For More Information Christine Matter-Rinehart 253 798-4459 cmatter@tpchd.org Information Line 253 798-4788