How does it work?

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a 

drainfield, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest or remove most contaminants from wastewater 

before it eventually reaches groundwater. 

The septic tank is a buried, 

watertight container typically made 

of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. 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. 

Screens are also 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.

Your septic system is your responsibility!

Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining 

your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic 

system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that 

you should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank? 

If properly designed, constructed, and 

maintained, your septic system can 

provide long-term, effective treatment 

of household wastewater. If your septic 

system isn’t 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.

Pump frequently

You should have your septic system inspected at least 

every 3 years by a professional and your tank pumped 

as necessary (generally every 3 to 5 years).

Use water efficiently

Average indoor water use in the typical single-family 

home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. 

Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of 

water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 

200 gallons each day. The more water a household 

conserves, the less water enters 

the septic system.

Flush responsibly

Dental floss, feminine hygiene 

products, condoms, diapers, 

cotton swabs, cigarette butts, 

coffee grounds, cat litter, paper 

towels, and other kitchen and 

bathroom items can clog and 

potentially damage septic 

system components. Flushing 

household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, 

and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment 

taking place in the system or might contaminate surface 

waters and groundwater. 

• 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’re full

• Use toilets to flush sanitary 

waste only (not kitty litter, 

diapers, or other trash)

• Make sure all faucets are 

completely turned off when 

not in use

• Maintain your plumbing to 

eliminate leaks

• Install aerators in the faucets 

in your kitchen and bathroom

• Replace old dishwashers, 

toilets, and clothes washers 

with new, high-efficiency 

models

For more information on water 

conservation, please visit 

www.epa.gov/owm/waterefficiency

Use Water Effi ciently!

Protect Your Septic System

1 Inspect your system (every 3 years) and pump your tank as necessary

(generally every 3 to 5 years).

2 Use water efficiently.

3 Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.

4 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.

How do I maintain my septic system?
A

Systems

to

Guide

Homeowner’s

Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or •

shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield.

Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system. Doing so can •

compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, tank, or other septic 

system components.

Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater or •

surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield. Flooding the 

drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and 

can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.

ow to treat your drainfi eld H

 should I maintain my septic system? Why

A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system 

inspected (at least every 3 years) is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire 

system. Your system will need pumping every 3 to 5 years, depending on how many people live 

in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower 

your property’s value and could pose a legal liability.

Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and 

disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen, 

phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic 

plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms. Excessive nitrate-nitrogen in drinking water 

can cause pregnancy complications, as well as methemoglobinemia (also known as blue baby syndrome) in infancy. Pathogens can cause communicable diseases through direct or indirect body 

, it contact or ingestion of contaminated water or shellfish. If a septic system is working properly

will effectively remove most of these pollutants.

For more information, contact your local health department 

or visit www.epa.gov/owm/onsite

832-B-02-006