Septic Maintenance: The Professionals

Regular maintenance fees of $250 to $300 every three to four years is a bargain compared to the cost of repairing or replacing a malfunctioning system, which can cost between $3,000 and $7,000. The frequency of pumping required for your system depends on how many people live in your home and the size of the system (Source: US EPA). A few signs that a septic system requires maintenance may include wastewater backing up into household drains, a strong odor around the septic tank and drainfield, and bright green, spongy grass appearing on the drainfield, even during dryer weather.

​

Find a Registered Septic Professional

• You can find a registered septic professional (pdf) through the Butler County Health Department.

• You can also visit www.septiclocator.com

​

What Is Typically Looked at During a Septic Inspection?

When you call a septic service provider, he or she will inspect for leaks and examine the scum and sludge layers in your septic tank. Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet which prevents sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling to the drainfield area. If the bottom of the scum layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the outlet, your tank will need to be pumped. Remember to note the sludge and scum levels determined by the septic professional in your operation and maintenance records, as this will help determine how often pumping is necessary. The service provider should note any repairs completed and the tank condition in your system’s service report. If additional repairs are recommended, be sure to hire someone to make them as soon as possible.

​

Maintenance Checklist for Homeowners

Checklist provided by the US EPA

​

Home Sewage Treatment System Repair and Replacement Financing

The Ohio Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF), in conjunction with local health districts and participating banks, can offer individual property owners reduced interest rates on bank loans to repair or replace failing home sewage treatment systems (HSTS), also known as on-lot systems or septic systems. This funding reduces the overall cost of the improvements for the property owner and helps insure effective wastewater treatment. Find out more...

​

​

​

Septic Care: What can you do to protect your system?

Care for your drainfield

• Do not park or drive vehicles on any part of your septic system.

• Make sure children's play structures and sand boxes are not placed over the drain field. 

• Do not plant trees or shrubs over, or near, your septic system. The roots can damage the pipes and tank. The US EPA has provided a list of plants that can grow on, or near, a septic system.

• Make sure downspouts and other drainage around your home are not directed towards the well field.

​

Don't treat your septic like a trash can​

• It is also important to note that a septic system is not designed to treat oils and greases. It will solidify and can cause a septic tank malfunction.

• Avoid garbage disposals, as they allow the addition of extra solids to your septic tank, which leads to your tank needing to be pumped more frequently. 

• Do not flush non-degradable products, such as diapers, flushable wipes, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, pharmaceuticals, etc. 

 

Don’t Sterilize It!

Ensure the products you use in your home, such as dish soap and toilet paper are safe for septic systems. Beneficial bacteria are one of the keys to a healthy septic system; anything you put down the drain that kills bacteria also harms your septic system.

​

Limit Water Usage

Your septic tank can only handle a limited amount of water at once, as it needs time to separate the solids and liquids. Some ways to conserve water are:

• Fix leaky toilets and faucets.

• Install water efficient toilets, showerheads and faucet aerators

• Don’t run continuous loads of laundry. Spread it out over a few days to give your tank a chance to recover.