Septic Tank Maintenance

Thousands of residents in Sheboygan County utilize septic systems for domestic wastewater disposal. A septic system consists of a septic tank and drainage pipes. Lack of maintenance of your septic system can result in expensive repairs and raw sewage overflowing and leaching into storm drains and local water bodies. This not only damages the quality of our streams and creeks but can also cause serious health risks to our drinking water sources.

 

Before installation consult a professional to make certain the septic tank is sited in an appropriate location and is compatible with your soil conditions. To ensure your septic system is functioning properly and lasts for an extended period of time after installation, you must be active in using preventative practices, maintaining the system and watching for signs of failure. 

 

To properly site and choose the correct septic system:

• Adhere to Municipality Ordinances that restrict such items as the distance from a well, shoreline, wetland or other water body.
• Choose a septic tank that is capable of storing at least to days worth of wastewater.
• Determine soil and water table conditions by referring to local soil and water table maps or by performing a soil boring test. Clayey soils may restrict the leaching capability of your system while loamy or sandy soils may lead to groundwater contamination.
• Avoid areas with trees or deep rooted bushes. Tree and bush roots can creep into your tank and cause damages. Choose grassed areas instead.

 

Preventive Practices:

• Flush only human and pet waste, wastewater and toilet paper into the tanks.
• Do not pour paints, solvents, bleach, grease, oil, kitty litter, tampons, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, condoms down the drain. These items and similar items will either lead to tank clogging problems or will result in environmental pollution due to inability of the tank to treat hazardous products.
• Conserve water. Simple practices as taking showers instead of baths, using a wash bin while cleaning dishes, fixing drippy faucets and running toilets, and turning of the faucet while brushing your teeth will decrease your water bill and allow your septic tank to work under nn-stressed conditions.

 

Maintaining you Septic System:

• Keep a maintenance record to prevent out of sight out of mind situations.
• Monitor your solid wastes level on an annual basis. Do not feed your tank with enzymes or yeast additives “designed” to treat your tank.
• Have a certified contractor pump your tank when solid waste levels reach high levels. Pumping is usually required every three to five years.

 

Signs of Failure

• Bad odors in your home or yard.
• Sinks or tubs that drain slowly .
• Sewage backups.
• Wet, spongy ground near a leaky septic tank or leach field.
• Excessive growth of lush, green plants over the leach field even during dry weather.   

 

If you notice a problem…
Contact a professional or your county Health Department as soon as possible before the system is damaged.