How your System Works

A septic system has two major components: a septic tank and a drain field. Wastewater sewage flows from the house to the septic tank. The tank retains the solids while the excess water flows off into the drain field. You may have a traditional drain field also known as a trench (this is the most common type of drain field), a seepage pit (dry well), a sand mound system or a drip system. 

Maintenance Tips

• Have septic pumped every two years
• ​Limit garbage disposal use (do not put vegetable peelings, eggshells and coffee grounds in disposal).
• ​Do not pour oils and fats down the drain.
• ​Do not overload system...early morning & bedtime are peak bathroom use times, try to run dishwasher and washing machine at other times of the day.
• Do not put paper towels, cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, and other materials in the toilet, put them in the trash.
• Do not add yeast or "starter enzymes" to your system. There is plenty of natural bacteria available to do the job. Additives do not improve the performance of your system.
• Do not drive or park over the area of your septic.
• ​Do not plant trees near a drain field because large roots can clog or break a pipe.

Possible Signs of Trouble

Toilets run slowly or back up. In worst cases, the basement could flood with sewage.
This can be the result of :

• clogged sewer lines to the tank
• a clogged inlet or outlet pipe
• a full septic tank
• ​a failed drain field