Septic System - Maintenance

Your septic system is your responsibility.

Did you know that as a homeowner you are responsible for the maintenance of your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic system helps protect the value of your home? Did you know that you should periodically inspect your system and pump out the septic tank?

If properly designed, constructed, and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system is not maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And, if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.

How does it work?

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the house, a septic tank, a drainfield, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches the groundwater.

The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container typically made of concrete. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Filters are sometimes recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield.

The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Microorganisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.

Protect your septic system.

Have your septic system inspected by a professional every three years and have your septic tank pumped out as necessary (every 3 to 5 years).
Use water in your home efficiently. Fill the bathtub with only as much water as you need. Turn off faucets while shaving or brushing your teeth. Run the dishwasher and clothes washer only when they are full. Maintain your plumbing to eliminate leaks. Install flow-restricting aerators on faucets in the kitchen and bathroom. Replace old fixtures and equipment with low-flow toilets and high efficiency appliances.
Do not dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets. Flushing chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint can destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system and can contaminate the groundwater. Other products, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, etc. do not degrade well and may clog or damage septic system components.
Care for your drainfield. Avoid driving or parking vehicles on your drainfield. Plant only grass over and near your drainfield to avoid damage from roots. The drainfield area should be free of all buildings and structures of any kind, as compaction of the soil may prevent the future use of the area for replacement septic systems. Also, be sure that excessive drainage from the roof, sump pumps, and other sources of surface or rain-water are directed away from the drainfield area.

Why maintain your septic system?

Save money by not risking having to replace the system due to poor maintenance. Preserve the value of your property and avoid legal liability.

Prevent the spread of disease and contaminating precious water resources. Excess nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) contribute to degradation of the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Most pathogenic organisms are removed and nutrients are taken up in a properly working septic system.

For more information:

To obtain advice on maintaining your septic system.

To obtain a list of licensed scavenger companies.

If you are having any problems with your septic system or your well.

Contact:
Prince George’s County Health Department Division of Environmental Health
Environmental Engineering Program
9201 Basil Court, Suite 318
Largo, Maryland 20774

Telephone number: 301/883-7681

Email: EnvironEngProgram@co.pg.md.us