GreenWorks - What You Should Know About Your Septic System to Prevent Costly Repairs

Taking simple steps to maintain your septic system protects your investment in your home as well as the water you drink. From having your septic system routinely pumped out, to watching what you pour down the drain, you can save money and help keep our waters clean.

Septic systems are used to treat relatively small volumes of wastewater (sewage), usually from houses and businesses, to the point where liquids can return to the groundwater without contaminating wells, ponds, or steams. The septic system has two parts, a septic tank where solids are removed and digested by bacteria and a leachfield or drainfield where the liquid is filtered through soil. If properly installed, used, and maintained, most septic systems will function effectively for many years.

What you put down your drain and toilet does have an impact on maintenance costs and the overall life of the system. Follow these tips for best results:

• Do not put grease and garbage down drains, and avoid garbage disposal systems. The leftovers cause tanks to fill more quickly and slow the digestion process.
• Conserve water by fixing drips and leaks, installing water efficient appliances and fixtures, and not letting water run unnecessarily. This will minimize the volume of water your system must treat and extend the life of your system.
• Only flush biodegradable wastes down the toilet. Nonbiodegradable products like cigarette butts, cat box litter, and tampons will clog the system.
• Do not pour hazardous materials down the drain. Paints, varnishes, chlorinated water, disinfectants, and expired prescription medications can contaminate the groundwater, clog the system, and be deadly to the essential bacteria.
• Do not use commercial septic tank additives. Although they will not necessarily harm your system, they are not necessary and do not eliminate the need to pump your tank.
• Separate out the backwash from home water treatment systems and dispose of properly. Contact a licensed septic system designer or visit www.des.state.nh.us/factsheets/ws/ws-22-17.htm for disposal options.

Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, you will need to know where your system is located to inspect it. If you do not know where your septic tank and leachfield are, contact your town office for a construction approval number and then contact DES, which maintains records on systems built since 1971. For an older system, try locating the steel reinforced tank cover with a metal detector. Most tanks can be found about 15 to 25 feet from the house and approximately 12 to 18 inches below the surface. Most leachfields lie in a straight line from the tank. You may be able to locate the leachfield by probing the ground for crushed stone with a rod. Map the location of both your septic tank and leachfield for future reference.

Protect the leachfield by maintaining a good cover of grass to prevent erosion. Keep deeprooted trees and shrubs away from the leachfield. Roots may clog and/or dislodge any pipes in the system. To avoid crushing pipes and concrete covers, do not drive wheeled vehicles over the tank or leachfield. Do not disturb the ground downslope of the leachfield.

If you walk the area and find foul smelling leaks or standing water, then you not only know where your leachfield is, but you know that you are in serious trouble with a possible septic system failure. Don't wait until you have a problem with your septic system to start maintaining it. Failed systems can be very costly to repair or replace and they leak harmful pollutants, like harmful bacteria and excess nutrients into groundwater that flows to our lakes, streams, and estuaries. Pollutants from failing septic systems can contaminate drinking water, close shellfish beds and swimming areas, and harm aquatic life.

For additional information on septic systems and repairs, please call the DES Subsurface Systems Bureau, (603) 271-3501. For more information on water quality, contact the DES Watershed Assistance Section, (603) 271-7889 or visit www.des.nh.gov.