Septic System Maintenance

How to Care for Your Septic System:

Regular maintenance of your septic system protects your property value, saves you money in the long run, keeps you and your neighbors healthy, and protects the environment. Caring for your septic system comes down to four key elements:

  • Inspect and pump frequently
  • Use water efficiently 
  • Properly dispose of waste
  • Maintain your drain field

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Septic systems for average households should be inspected by a septic service professional at least every three years. Septic tanks for households are usually pumped every three to five years. Factors that influence how often to pump your septic system include the household size, total wastewater generated, volume of solids in wastewater, and septic tank size. 

Use Water Efficiently

All the water a household sends down its pipes ends up in its septic system. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system, improving the operation of a septic system and reducing the risk of malfunctions. Other ways to use water efficiently include installing high efficiency devices like toilets, faucets and showerheads, and washing machines. 

Properly Dispose of Waste 

Everything that goes down the drain ends up in your septic system! An easy rule of thumb is not to flush anything besides human waste and toilet paper. Never flush:

  • Cooking grease or oils
  • Non-flushable wipes such as baby wipes or wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cat littler
  • Paper towels
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Maintain Your Drain Field

Your drain field is an important part of your septic system. It removes contaminants from the liquor that emerges in your septic tank. A few things you should do to maintain your drain field include...

  • Not parking or driving on your drain field 
  • Planting trees the appropriate distance from your drain field to keep roots from growing into your septic system. A septic service professional can advise you of the proper distance, depending on your septic tank and landscape. 
  • Keeping roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drain field area. Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process. 


Learn more about Septic System Maintenance at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website.