Why Maintain Your Septic System
Maintaining Your Septic System...
Saves you money
Regular septic system maintenance fees of $250 to $500 every three to five years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost between $5,000 and $15,000 for a conventional system. Alternative systems can cost even more. The frequency of pumping required for each system depends on how many people live in the home and the size of the system.
Protects your property value
An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property value, and potentially can pose a costly legal liability.
Keeps you and your neighbors healthy
Household wastewater contains disease causing bacteria and viruses and high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus. If a septic system is well-maintained and working properly, it will remove most of these pollutants. Insufficiently treated sewage from septic systems can cause groundwater contamination, which can spread disease in humans and animals. Improperly treated sewage poses the risk of contaminating nearby surface waters, and potentially cause various infectious diseases in swimmers, from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and hepatitis.
Protects the environment
More than four billion gallons of wastewater are dispersed below the ground’s surface every day. Ground water contaminated by poorly or untreated household wastewater poses dangers to drinking water and to the environment. Malfunctioning septic systems release bacteria, viruses, and chemicals toxic to local waterways. When these pollutants are released into the ground, they eventually enter streams, rivers, lakes, and more, harming local ecosystems by killing native plants, fish, and shellfish. Learn more about how septic systems can help support greener, more sustainable communities.
Frequent Questions on Maintaining Septic Systems
- Who is responsible for maintaining septic systems?
- The owner of the system (i.e., the homeowner, property owner, homeowner’s association, or other responsible management entity) is responsible for the overall operation, maintenance, and upkeep of the system, including repairs or replacement. The system users (i.e., occupants, tenants) are responsible for the proper use of the system, such as what materials go down the drain, how much water is used, etc.
- EPA developed the New Homebuyer's Brochure and Guide to Septic Systems to help new homeowners better understand maintaining their systems.
- How often should my septic tank be pumped?
- In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years. The frequency of pumping the septic tank depends on the tank size, number of people in the household, habits of water use as well as the amount of solids accumulated in the tank. Some alternative systems that are more complex may require more frequent inspection or pumping. If you are unsure, ask your local septic system professional. A septic tank effluent filter may also require frequent maintenance and should be included in the inspection and maintenance activities. It is important to save your system’s yearly schedule or maintenance records. See the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association's Guide and Record Keeping Folder example.
- Spring is a great time to service your septic system. EPA developed a customizable postcard as a reminder to homeowners on the importance of regular preventative system maintenance.
- I’ve never pumped my septic tank, is that a problem?
- If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:
- There is minimal water use in the home, and/or the size of the septic tank and the biological activity maintains the solids at sustainable levels. This is rare but may occur when there are only one or two people in the home.
- The tank has a leak and is discharging wastewater into the ground instead of into the drainfield.
- The tank is full of solids, which are slowly migrating and may eventually clog the drainfield. This may increase the cost of pumping the tank and may require replacing the entire drainfield if it becomes clogged.
- If you have not pumped your septic tank in several years, but do not seem to be having any problems, it may mean one of several things:
- What kind of additives are acceptable for use in my septic system?
- EPA does not make recommendations on individual septic system products. Commercially available microbiological and enzyme additives are promoted to reduce sludge and scum accumulation in septic tanks. However, these additives are not necessary for a septic system to function properly when treating domestic wastewater. Use caution when using additives in your septic system as they may decrease the performance of septic drainfields, which treat the wastewater from the septic tank. In general, do not use additives made of organic solvents or strong alkali chemicals because they pose a potential threat to soil structure and groundwater.
- A variety of publications and organizations have assessed the impacts and effectiveness of different kinds of additives. EPA’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual has additional information. Further, some states and localities have state-specific rules and regulations regarding septic system additives. Contact your local permitting authority (i.e., local health or environmental department) for more guidance.
- How long does a septic system last?
- The lifespan of a septic system depends on the material it is made of, the design, installation, service and exposure conditions, and maintenance of the system. Typically, a septic tank made of concrete may last 50 years or more, although older tanks may not be as well constructed as newer tanks. Tanks made from other materials, such as plastic may last a similar timeframe. See the manufacturer for projected lifespan estimates as well as strength, design, installation, and warranty information.
- If your septic system includes a pump, many pumps and controls will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. If you have an advanced treatment unit, check with the manufacturer for estimates of lifespan and warranty information.
- If your drainfield is more than 25 to 30 years old, the natural biomat that forms in the bottom of the trenches or beds can thicken and reduce the ability of the drainfield to properly discharge the wastewater into the ground. This can cause ponding in the drainfield, surfacing of untreated wastewater, or backing up into the septic tank and into the plumbing in the house.
- If your septic system is more than 25 to 30 years old, start planning for an upgrade before you are in an emergency situation. It is likely your system is close to its useful lifespan.