Homeowner Tips

A Homeowners Guide to Septic Systems

What is a Septic System and How Does it Work?
Septic systems are individual wastewater treatment systems that use the soil to treat small wastewater flows. Septic systems are typically used in rural or small town settings where a sewer is unavailable. All septic systems are individually designed for each site but most are based on the same principles.

A septic system treats the household wastewater by temporarily holding it in a septic tank. Here the heavy solids fall to the bottom and separate from the wastewater. The solids will remain in the tank until they are pumped out by a professional septic tank pumper. Natural bacteria in the tank immediately start working to break down the solids as the liquid wastewater will rise to an outlet. This partially treated wastewater leaves the tank and flows into a distribution box (D-box). The purpose of a distribution box is to evenly disperse the wastewater into a network of drain field trenches by way of conveyance lines. The conveyance lines lay on a bed of washed stone. Each line is a perforated pipe with holes allowing the wastewater to drain through the trenches and disperse into the drain field. This effluent slowly seeps into the subsurface soil where it is further treated and purified.

It is very important to take care of your septic system! The solid wastes at the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out every three to five years. Neglect or abuse of a septic system can cause it to fail.

MassDEP offers These Tips to Keep Your Septic System Trouble Free

1. Have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5 years by a licensed septic contractor.
2. Keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.
3. Practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full. Avoid long showers and use waste-saving features in faucets, shower heads, and toilets.
4. Learn the location of your septic system and drain field. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits.
5. Divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system.
6. Take leftover hazardous household chemicals to an approved hazardous waste collection center. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.
7. Don't allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the drain fields should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.
8. Don't make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required local and/or state permits. Use only professional licensed septic contractors when needed.
9. Don't use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.
10. Don't use the toilet as a trash can. Avoid dumping nondegradables down your drains and toilets. Don't poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.