Maintaining Your Septic System...
- Saves you money
- Protects your property value
- Keeps you and your neighbors healthy
- Protects the environment
Do you have a septic system servicing your home? If you are unsure, there are multiple ways you can check here: US EPA website. If you do have a septic system, proper maintenance is vital to ensuring the safe and effective treatment of wastewater exiting your residence.
Septic tanks are buried, water-tight containers that use a combination of natural and technological processes to treat wastewater from your household plumbing. The solids settle to the bottom of the tank (sludge), and any fats, oils, and grease float (scum) to the top. Microorganisms act to break down the sludge and destroy contaminants. The filtered wastewater is then released into the soil to replenish groundwater, and finally, when the water filters through the soil, most bacteria and viruses are removed.
While soil can treat many contaminants, it cannot remove all of them (e.g., medicines, cleaning products, and other potentially harmful chemicals). Wastewater may contaminate the streams or lakes near your home if untreated wastewater surfaces.
You can help reduce the amount of contaminants being released into your wastewater by limiting the use of the garbage disposal and using phosphate-free detergents. Avoid flushing other chemicals or medications down the drain or toilet since they can also contaminate surface water sources. Always make sure items you buy that go down the drain are septic-safe. For more information on maintaining your septic systems, visit the US EPA website.