Read Some FAQs About Septic Systems

There are six major components:

a) A house sewer line carries waste to the septic tank.

b) A septic tank allows the solids to settle and remain in the tank with the liquids

c) As of 2000, all septic tanks have been constructed with outlet baffle filters. The filters must be cleaned at the time of septic tank pumping. Filters may require more repeat cleaning if they clog frequently.

d) Distribution piping which leads effluent from the tank.

e) A liquid distribution box may be used to uniformly distribute effluent through the leaching system.

f) A leaching system, which may consist of leaching fields, trenches, leaching pits (dry wells), beds or galleries which help purify the effluent by filtration through the soil.

Every two years is an average interval for the average size family (4 - 5 family members). Larger families or homes with food disposal systems should have them cleaned more frequently.

Solids settle down to the bottom of the tank and are broken down by bacterial action. However, eventually the remaining undigested material is known as “sludge” accumulates and must be removed. If solids are not pumped out regularly, they will build up to a high level and can be carried from the tank to the absorption field. The solids will clog the pipes, stone, and the soil surrounding them.

Yes. 1250 - 1500 gallon tanks are common for a 4 - 5 bedroom house. The average use rate is 60 gallons per person / per day. That means a family of 5 uses 109,500 gallons of water per year. If the number of people in the house exceeds the average for the size of the dwelling (example: 5 people for a 3 bedroom house) or the septic tank is smaller than what is state regulated, the system should be cleaned every 2 years until experience indicates a longer period is allowed.

• Neglecting to inspect and clean the septic tank regularly
• Lack of understanding of the proper use of the system
• Poor soil conditions and/or system design or installation

• Sewage odor
• Sewage discharging to the ground
• Wet or muddy patches in your lawn
• Lush green grass
• Slow draining bathroom or kitchen fixtures
• Back up of sewage into your house
• Sewage running back from your leach field into your tank - this can be seen at the time of cleaning the tank

• Regular cleaning
• Avoid dumping the following down the drains:

a) Grease

b) Coffee grounds

• Avoid flushing the following down the toilet:

        a) Diapers

        b) Cooking fats

        c) Paper towels

        d) Cigarette butts

        e) Personal wipes

        f) Feminine products

• Contact the town sanitarian or health officer for instructions, as pumping and cleaning alone may not be the cure to the problem.

• Contact a qualified septic repair company and verify that the cleaner or installer is licensed and comes well recommended.

• We encourage you to check if the contractor is a member of the COWRA. These contractors are dedicated to the encouragement of the highest standards of professional performance and integrity. Members of COWRA attend continuing education programs so that they are kept up-to-date on state-of-the-art methods, and where needed, innovative approaches to subsurface disposal systems.