How do I locate my septic system?
Search the maine.gov Septic System Permit Search. Knowing names of all previous owners of the property can help with the search. You may also reach out to your town office for assistance.
How long do septic systems last?
Septic systems are designed to provide long-term, effective treatment of household waste when operated and maintained properly. However, most systems that fail prematurely are due to improper maintenance. Less serious problems are usually with plumbing (such as pipe blockages from tree roots growing into the pipe). Sometimes, the septic tank, although durable, can deteriorate or have other structural problems. The most serious problems are the result of a clogged drainfield. Unfortunately, this is the most expensive to repair. Once the absorption field is clogged, it must be replaced and can cost thousands of dollars.
How often should I have the tank pumped?
How often you need to pump depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and the amount and type of solids. A septic tank should be inspected annually to check for needed repairs and pumped as needed, usually every 3 to 5 years. Some alternative systems that are more complex may need pumping more frequently. If you are unsure if your tank needs pumping, have it inspected and get a recommendation for how many years you can go between pumping.
Can you tell if the tank needs pumping without digging it up?
Unless you have risers installed, you will need to dig up the ground above the septic tank to inspect it. Risers give easy access to the septic system without disturbing the soil above the tank. By keeping maintenance records, you can have it pumped on a routine schedule, based on the previous years’ rate of solids accumulation.
What happens when a septic system fails? How can I tell?
Usually when a septic system fails, the drainfield is not functioning properly. When a septic tank overflows, the effluent can pass to the drainfield, clogging up the pipes. This causes sinks and toilets to back up in the house. Other signs include: slow draining toilets and drains, an odor of sewage, wet area on or near the drainfield, or contaminated well water.
How can I prevent a septic failure?
Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance! If your system has been properly designed, sited, and installed, the rest is up to you. Have your tank pumped every 3-5 years (technician can make a recommendation at time of pumping on when it should be done next), avoid excess water use, and watch what you put down the drain and flush down the toilet.
Why is water conservation important?
Septic tanks are mainly settling chambers. They allow time for solids and scum to separate out from wastewater so clear liquid can safely go to the drainfield. Over time, the scum and sludge layers get thicker, leaving less space and time for the wastewater to settle before passing to the drainfield. There are limits to the amount of water septic systems can treat. For every gallon entering the tank, one gallon is pushed out. In some instances, too much water may back up into your house or overload the drainfield and surface in the yard. Large volumes of water in short periods of time may also not allow solids enough time to settle, and may be carried out to the drainfield, ultimately clogging the pipes.
I’ve heard I shouldn’t use a garbage disposal. Why is that?
Garbage disposals have a dramatic impact on how often you’ll need to pump your septic tank. Food particles usually are not digested by the bacteria and accumulate as scum. If a large amount of water enters the tank, it can then push the food particles into the drainfield, causing clogging. If you must use a garbage disposal, your tank will need to be pumped more frequently.
Should I be careful of what I pour down the drain?
Yes, many materials that are poured down the drain do not decompose and remain in the tank. In addition to minimal use of a garbage disposal, don’t pour grease, fats, and oils down the drain or place coffee grounds and egg shells in the disposal or down the drain. Keep chemicals out of your system.
What shouldn’t I flush down the toilet?
Flush only human waste and toilet paper down the toilet—avoid flushing dental floss, cat litter (including “flushable” varieties), hair, Kleenex, cigarette butts, cotton swabs, feminine hygiene products, condoms, paper towels, static cling sheets, diapers, and disposable wipes. These items could clog your septic system components and cause a failure.
Will additives help my system?
In most cases it’s not necessary, however households that use a lot of cleaning products that contain chlorine, anti-bacterial or anti-septic cause the natural occurring bacteria in the tank to die off. Some households have heavier buildups of grease in the tank. The naturally occurring bacteria needed for the septic system to work are already present in human feces, however there are a lot of cleaning products and chemicals that can interrupt this natural break down and grease is very slow to break down. According to the U.S. Department of Health, none of these products eliminate the need for routine maintenance and pumping. We recommend a product called Bio-Clean.
What can I plant over my drainfield and septic system?
Grass is the ideal cover for drainfields. Grasses can be ornamental, mowed in a traditional lawn, or in an unmowed meadow. Trees and shrubs should never be planted near a septic system as roots are naturally drawn to water sources and could invade the system and create problems. For plantings over septic tanks, keep in mind, if you don’t have risers installed, you will need to dig up the ground to access the tanks for inspection and pumping—generally every 3 to 5 years.
How close can trees and shrubs be to the drainfield?
Trees and shrubs generally have extensive root systems that seek out and grow into wet areas, such as drainfields. As a result, trees and large shrubs should be kept at least 30 feet away from your drainfield, and may require greater setbacks depending on the root structure and soil type. If you wish to plant trees near a drainfield, consult an expert who can determine types of plants and distances, based on your property’s soil type.
Can I plant a vegetable garden over my drainfield?
No. Growing vegetables over a drainfield is not recommended. Vegetables need watering, and excess water in the soil reduces its ability to treat wastewater. The deep roots of some vegetables may damage drainfield pipes. Bed preparation, such as rototilling or deep digging, can also damage pipes. Plus, there is the risk of contaminating food crops with sewage.
Can landscape plastic or fabric under mulch be placed over the drainfield?
No. Plastic reduces the necessary air exchange in the drainfield soil. Even mulch or bark over the drainfield is not recommended, because it reduces air exchange and retains water.
Rainwater is directed onto my drainfield, is this a problem?
Yes. Downspouts and stormwater from surfaces such as driveways and patios should be diverted off the septic tank and drainfield. A small trench uphill from a drainfield can help direct water away.