A drawing that shows the system in relation to the house is recommended. This can be very helpful when it is necessary to locate the system for maintenance. The system should be located downslope and at least 100 feet from any drinking water source. If an existing system is closer than 100 feet to a drinking water source, it doesn't mean that the water source is being contaminated. However, it is important that the system be properly maintained to avoid problems.
Tree roots can enter septic system lines and cause plugging.
Lines should not be placed near trees, and trees should not be planted near lines. The most common maintenance effort is to routinely have the septic tank pumped out. This is done to keep the sludge and scum from building up to the point that they flow into the absorption field and stop up the pipe and gravel bed. The frequency of this pumpout for most systems is usually every four to six years. This period can be shorter if there is a lot of wastewater produced from the household, especially if a garbage disposal is used.