Proper maintenance of a septic system is essential in determining the life span of a system. It is in the hands of the homeowner to ensure that maintenance is performed and recorded for future reference.

Maintenance of a septic system begins inside the house. The following is a list a helpful hints:

• Water should be conserved whenever possible.
  
• Leaking faucets should be repaired. A faucet that only drips can still amount to enough water to cause a problem.
• Tasks that consume a lot of water should be done in moderation. For example, it is better to do one load of laundry every other day than to do four loads on Saturday.
  
• Water softeners should not discharge into the septic system.
  
• Harsh chemicals such as cleaning detergents should not be discharged into the system
  
• Fats & grease should not be discharged into nay drain. Even if they are heated up before hand, the will solidify in the transfer pipes or in the tank. When they solidify, a crust layer will form creating a dam that will restrict flow.
  

There are also procedures that can be done outside to help increase the systems life span.

• Clean the septic tank filter every six months or earlier if needed.
  
• Have the Septic tank pumped every one to two years. It is important to have all tanks and compartments pumped. Generally there are three places for a mound that need pumped, two for a conventional, and one for a holding tank. Please feel free to call if you are uncertain how many your system has.
  
• Avoid heavy traffic above and around the tanks and absorption field
  
• Divert water away from the septic tanks and absorption field. This will be done at installation but help with diverting gutters and such away from the system.
  

A significant investment has been put into the system. A small amount of maintenance will go a long way and will save money in the long run. Nothing is worse then when a system fails and either backs up into the house or bubbles up in the yard.