Tips for Septic System

A residential septic system is an on-site tank and leaching field located on your property that is used for treating all the wastewater from your house, which includes drainage from your dishwater, washing machine, toilets, showers,  and sinks. Poorly functioning of failing residential septic systems can be a source of water pollution; they can leak sewage that contains pathogens and nutrients, which are then carried by stormwater to rivers, leaks and streams. By following a few simple tips, you can maintain your septic system to maximize its efficiency, reduce problems and potential expenses and help to protect our waterways!

Contact your country health department to check if you have one and verify its location on your property.

A typical home septic system consists of two parts: the septic tank and the leaching field.

• Wastewater from your home enters the septic tank. Solids settle to the bottom of the septic tank and are broken down by beneficial bacteria.
• Liquid from the septic tank flows out into the leaching field where it slowly seeps into the soil. Beneficial bacteria in the soil and natural filtration through the ground finish the job of treating the wastewater from your home.
• Sludge (non-digestible solids) remains in the tank and eventually needs to be pumped out.

• Flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet!
• Never flush diapers, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cigarette butts or cat litter down your toilet - these items will not break down in the septic tank and may end up clogging the system.
• Don't dispose of household chemicals, oil based paints, solvents or additives like emulsifiers and degreasers down the drain.
• Minimize the use of a garbage disposal by disposing of food wastes in the trash, and avoid pouring fats and grease down the drain.
• Reduce the amount of wastewater going into your septic system by taking shorter showers, running full loads of laundry and repairing leaks. You will conserve water while at the same time prevents the flooding of your leaching field.
• Space out laundry loads over several days. Doing multiple loads of laundry in one day can overload your septic system.
  

• Septic system should be inspected every 3-5 years by a certified contractor.
• When sludge in the tank reaches a certain point, the tank will need to be pumped out as recommended by the inspector.
• Never plant trees or other vegetation other than turf grass over your leaching field.
• Avoid overwatering the grass over the leaching field - doing so will saturate the ground and reduce the ability of the wastewater to percolate into the soil.
• Direct downspouts or other drainage away from the septic tank and leaching field to avoid creating overly damp soil conditions.
• Never park or drive on your tank or leaching field.

A residential septic system is an on-site tank and leaching field located on your property that is used for treating all the wastewater from your house, which includes drainage from your dishwater, washing machine, toilets, showers,  and sinks. Poorly functioning of failing residential septic systems can be a source of water pollution; they can leak sewage that contains pathogens and nutrients, which are then carried by stormwater to rivers, leaks and streams. By following a few simple tips, you can maintain your septic system to maximize its efficiency, reduce problems and potential expenses and help to protect our waterways!

The Clean Water Campaign is a collaborative multi-agency education and outreach effort coordinated by the Metropolitan North Georgia Water Panning District for the 15-county Metro Atlanta area. The Clean Water Campaign's mission is to build awareness of water quality problems and solutions.

Be the Solution to Stormwater Pollution! #stormwaterpollutionprevention