Killingworth Connecticut

Maintaining Your Septic System

Septic systems provide a very simple and easy way to treat household wastewater, however, like many things found in the home, they require regular inspection and maintenance. Modern systems include a concrete tank and a series of crushed stone-filled drainage or leaching fields, which serve to dissipate the flow of wastewater from the tank into the soils adjacent to your home. Solid materials that do not completely breakdown remain behind in the septic tank. If the solids are not periodically pumped from the tank, they can eventually build-up to the point where they will flow into the drainage fields. When this happens the fields will become clogged and new leaching fields will be needed. Pumping the tank is the single most important thing you can do to prevent this from happening. To make sure your system is working properly, have it inspected every one to two years by a licensed professional and pumped when necessary. The need to have your system pumped is generally related to the size of the septic tank and the number of persons living in your home. That means about every three to five years for most homes here in Killingworth. If you have a garbage disposal you may need to have your system pumped every two to three years.

Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Do's	Don'ts
Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and to avoid a strain on the system: Do laundry over several days, rather multiple loads on 1 day Repair any leaking faucets or toilets Install low flush toilets	Don’t dispose of grease, chemicals, cleaners, petroleum or paint products down the drain. Don’t use your toilet as a trash can No cigarette butts No sanitary napkins or diapers No kitty-litter No backwash from home water softeners
Select a toilet tissue that is marked safe for all septic systems	Don’t buy septic tank cleaners or additives to “make your system work better”, save your money and let the natural bacteria do all the work
Contact a licensed professional whenever you notice any sign of system failure: Slow drainage or sewage backups in drains or toilets Liquids bubbling to the surface near the septic tank or leaching fields Lush grass growth over the drainage area, even in dry weather Heavy growth of aquatic weeds or algae in ponds or lakes adjacent to your home Unpleasant odors around your home	Don't drive, compact the soil, build or plant anything other than grass over your drainage field. Never dig in your drainage field or cover it with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt.