Septic Smart Living: Your Role in Effective Wastewater Management

by Larissa Balzer of Ocean Sewage Alliance

Owning a home is more than just having a place to live; it's about taking on responsibilities that ensure your household runs smoothly and sustainably. If your home relies on a septic system, you might not realize it, but you have an important role—you're not just a homeowner; you're also a wastewater treatment operator! While this might sound daunting, embracing this role is crucial for maintaining your system’s health and protecting your shared neighborhood environment. 

Let’s delve into why septic system maintenance is important and how you can fulfill your role with six simple principles.

Understanding Your Septic System

A septic system treats and disposes of household wastewater. When maintained properly, it ensures that harmful bacteria and pollutants don't enter water systems, safeguarding your health and the environment. Without proper care, however, it can lead to expensive repairs, groundwater contamination, and potential health hazards.

“Septic maintenance is not a luxury, it is a necessity to ensure that the system is functioning as intended and within the parameters of the design,” said Lynne Seipp, executive director of the National Association of Wastewater Technicians. “Changes to how the system is used: number of people in the home, running a business out of a home, landscaping and many other issues, need to be addressed prior to implementation, not after the system starts showing signs of struggling.”

Your Role as a Septic System Operator

Think of yourself as the operator of a mini-wastewater treatment plant. Your actions directly impact the efficiency and longevity of your septic system. Here are six essential tips to help you become a septic-smart homeowner:

1. Think at the Sink
   Everything that goes down your drain can affect your septic system. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink, as they can clog pipes and drain fields. Use your garbage disposal sparingly and avoid flushing non-degradable items like wipes, menstrual products, and dental floss.

2. Don’t Strain Your Drain
   Conserving water reduces the load on your septic system. Fix leaky faucets and toilets, install high-efficiency fixtures, and spread out laundry loads throughout the week. By reducing water usage, you can help your system treat and dispose of wastewater effectively.

3. Keep It Clean
   Regular septic system inspections and pumping are vital. The EPA recommends having your septic system inspected every three years by a licensed professional and pumped every three to five years, depending on your household size and usage. This prevents the buildup of solids that can clog your system and cause failures.

4. Shield Your Field
   Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system, where the soil filters and treats wastewater. Protect it by not parking or driving on it, planting trees and shrubs a safe distance away to prevent root interference, and ensuring that roof drains and sump pumps direct water away from it.

5. Protect It and Inspect It
   Keep the components of your septic system, like the tank and drainfield, accessible for inspections and maintenance. Know the location of your system to prevent accidental damage during landscaping or construction activities. Regular inspections can catch potential issues early, saving you from costly repairs.

6. Don’t Overload the Commode
   Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing non-biodegradable items can clog your septic system and lead to failures. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Educate your family and guests about what can and cannot be flushed to avoid unnecessary damage.

The Added Responsibility

As a septic system operator, you play a crucial role in protecting public health and the environment. Proper maintenance not only ensures your system works efficiently but also extends its lifespan, saving you money and reducing the risk of pollution. Your proactive approach to septic care can prevent contamination of local water sources, safeguarding ecosystems and community health.

“Being a responsible homeowner means understanding the onsite system they are utilizing and how best to manage, service, and maintain that system,” said Seipp.

“As with everything the costs of repairing and/or replacing onsite wastewater treatment systems have skyrocketed. As a homeowner, it is critical that they understand not only how a system, their system specifically, works, but they also need to understand and practice good septic usage as well as the need for regular service and maintenance of their system.”

Taking on the responsibility of septic system maintenance might seem overwhelming, but with these six principles, you can confidently manage your system. By thinking at the sink, conserving water, maintaining cleanliness, protecting your drain field, ensuring accessibility, and using your toilet wisely, you're not just a homeowner; you're a guardian of wastewater treatment. Embrace your role and make a positive impact on your home and local watershed.

Together, we can ensure our septic systems are effective and our water is clean. For more information and resources, visit EPA’s SepticSmart Week, epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-week.