We believe informed customers make better decisions. Our resource center is designed to give you clear, practical information about your septic system, no confusion, no fluff.
Helpful guides, blog posts, and downloadable forms to help you understand and manage your septic system.
Topics include system maintenance, how aerobic systems work, and what to expect during inspections
Our goal is to help you understand your system so you can avoid costly mistakes and keep everything running smoothly.
Are you wondering how your system operates and what you can do as a homeowner to avoid problems? Check out the links below to additional resources.
An interactive model showing the treatment process of septic system
Find out if you should be adding septic chlorine tablets or liquid bleach to your irrigation tank
Permitting, maintenance, and construction requirements for on-site sewage facilities
Tips to help home owners avoid costly repairs
Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system. Routine maintenance can lengthen the life of your septic system. Contract a licensed Maintenance Provider to inspect and monitor your system with the frequency that your septic system needs:
Pump your septic tank as needed. How often you pump depends on the amount of water use in your household or business. As a rule of thumb, the more people who use your septic system, the greater your water flow. This means your septic tank will fill up faster and will require more frequent pumping.
Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured. A lid that is open or not screwed shut is a safety hazard! People can fall into tanks that are not secured. Make sure tank access lids are not cracked or deteriorated to prevent a safety hazard from happening.
Using less water may increase the life of your septic system. Using too much water is a frequent factor in failed systems. Learn more easy-to-do tips for saving water in different parts of your house on the Washington Sea Grant Program's website.
Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield This additional water may prevent the drainfield from working properly.
Have "risers" installed to make septic tank pumping and monitoring visits easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming. A "riser" also makes pumping and monitoring cause less mess and disruption in your yard.
Garbage disposals add solids and grease that can build-up quickly and clog your drainfield. If you absolutely must use one, limit your use as much as possible.
Do not flush cleaning wipes, baby wipes, facial tissue, personal care products, or paper towels. Even wipes that are labeled flushable or septic safe belong in the trash can. Download these flyers to learn more:
Chemicals and some medications, such as antibiotics, can destroy bacteria in your system that are necessary to break down solids. ​Never use drain cleaners, and use household cleaning products in moderation. IT IS RECOMMENDED TO AVOID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAP PRODUCTS
DO NOT drive across, park or allow livestock to graze over the septic tanks, lines or drain field. The tanks and lines could collapse, and the drain field’s soil could become compacted, shortening its life and causing the need for expensive repairs.
DO NOT construct anything over the drain field (disposal) area – including driveways, storage buildings, play sets, pools, or gardens. If you ar unsure on where the lines are, request an "As Built" drawing from your local permitting authority
These products may be harmful by adding extra solids to the system that can clog your drainfield.
It’s not just to keep the County off your back. Regular upkeep of you system benefits everyone.
The Maintenance Provider or Technician will inspect your system components:
You receive a report of the operational status of your system. Where required, the same report if filed with the local permitting authority. Adjustments and smaller issues can be resolved during the inspection. If a larger fix is needed, the Technician will work with you to identify the best solution.
Find out if you should be adding septic chlorine tablets or liquid bleach to your irrigation tank
The Maintenance Provider or Technician will inspect your system components:
You receive a report of the operational status of your system. Where required, the same report if filed with the local permitting authority. Adjustments and smaller issues can be resolved during the inspection. If a larger fix is needed, the Technician will work with you to identify the best solution.
Don’t Panic!
Know what to trouble shoot and know when to call for help
Different Types of Alarms and Causes
Don’t Panic!
Know what to trouble shoot and know when to call for help
** These requirements are for the state of Texas. Check with local authorities for your location
The most common pump system, the on-demand pump begins its cycle when sewage reaches a pre-marked level in the septic tank and sewage is pumped into the drainfield. During a power outage, effluent stops being pumped into the drainfield.
The septic and pump tank will collect wastewater and release it once power is restored. Too much water pumped into the drainfield will flood the drainfield and lead to complications.
Follow these steps to avoid complications:
A pump system with a timer controls the number of times the pump starts and stops. It manages how much effluent goes into the drainfield in a 24-hour time period. Timers ensure the drainfield only receives as much effluent as it was designed to handle. The timer system will take care of itself once power is restored.
The as-built (scaled drawing of the septic system) may indicate if your system has a timer. It can usually be found on a wall or post near the pump tank or in the garage.
If the power has been off for a while, the timer will be behind. To allow your timer to catch up, continue to conserve water for an additional day or more.
If the high-water alarm sounds once power is restored, effluent has backed up into the reserve storage area of the pump tank. Refer to Steps 1-3 under the on-demand heading to start pumping backed-up sewage to the drainfield.
No, foul odor inside of home is a result of a plumbing issue
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