Caring for Your Septic System

        The accumulated solids in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out to prolong the life of your system. Septic systems must be maintained regularly to stay working.

          We recommend the following:

• 4 or more occupants………………… pump out yearly
• 2 or 3 occupants……………………… every 2-3 years
• 1 occupant ……………………………   every 3-5 years

          Neglect or abuse of your septic system can cause it to fail. Failing septic systems can:

• cause a serious health threat to your family and neighbors.
• degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams, and groundwater.
• put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.
• reduce the value of your property.
• be very expensive to repair.

Failure to have the septic tank pumped out regularly is the most frequent cause of damage to the drain field as well as the septic tank itself.

No Additives   Authorities agree (State and County Environmental Health Departments) that biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate decomposition in the septic tank. There is no evidence that these additives will prevent septic system failure or improve performance. Some products that manufacturers claim will clean the tank contain compounds that will actually harm the septic action, damage the soil absorption system, and contaminate groundwater. Many of these chemicals have been found in drinking water drawn from wells.