Is it time to pump your septic system?
Did you know that, on average, a residential septic system should be pumped every two to four years? If your kitchen has a garbage disposal—which adds massive amounts of solids to the tank, your system should be pumped yearly, according to the state.
About 90 percent of Cape Cod’s population disposes of its wastewater through individual on-site septic systems, according to the Cape Cod Planning and Economic Development Commission. A septic system is a biological treatment system for waste. Consisting of a tank and leaching facility, the septic system retains solids and returns liquid wastes to the ground through percolation.
In a septic tank, microbial action breaks down the solids, reducing their volume. The remaining sludge should be removed from the tank periodically. If this is not done, solids will overflow into the percolation system, clogging it. The system will then back up into the house or flow out into the ground, necessitating costly repairs or replacement of the system.
To replace the average residential septic system costs between $8,000 and $12,000, says Bruce Murphy, health director for the town of Yarmouth. For this reason, he encourages homeowners to practice septic maintenance, which includes keeping a record indicating when their septic systems are pumped. If you don’t know when your system was last pumped, you may be able to get that information from your town’s health department. Many Cape towns, including Yarmouth, maintain a computerized database with all pumping records.
The town of Yarmouth also offers septic pumping reimbursement to low-income families who qualify. This reimbursement is not widely offered. To determine if your town offers similar reimbursement, call your local health department.
While all septic systems eventually fail, you can prolong the life of your system with proper maintenance. A system that is properly installed and maintained can last decades. “To get longer life and use out of your septic system, you need proper maintenance of the system,” Murphy says. “New systems cost so much, it makes sense for preventive maintenance.”
The town of Yarmouth offers the following advice on septic-system maintenance:
Pump your septic tank every two to four years to prevent buildup of solids that could potentially clog your leaching facility and cause your system to fail prematurely. If you have a garbage disposal, pump your system annually.
Practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full, and space your loads to avert overwhelming the septic system.
Learn the location of your septic system components to avert unnecessary damage by vehicular traffic, landscaping or construction projects.
Obtain the proper health department permits before allowing repairs to your septic system. Use licensed septic contractors to insure proper repairs.
Don’t dump medications or hazardous chemicals down the drain. Use bleach, disinfectants and other household cleaners sparingly.
Overuse of such products will kill the beneficial bugs living in your septic system and will potentially contaminate groundwater and the surrounding environment.
Don’t dispose of grease, fat and oil down the drain, as they can clog the leaching facility.
Don’t use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help—and may actually damage—your system. The state Department of Environmental Protection and the local health departments maintain a list of approved products; however, what naturally exists in your septic tank is adequate for the proper function of your system.
Don’t use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-biodegradables into it. Products such as cigarette butts, Q-tips, diapers and sanitary napkins do not properly break down in your septic tank and will eventually clog the system.
Septic warning signs
Here are signs of potential failure
of a septic system:
• Especially green grass over
the leaching facility
• Snow melted over the
leaching facility
• Standing water in the vicinity
of the leaching facility
• Black or reddish mud around
the leaching area
• Foul odor around the
leaching system
• Slowly draining toilets and sinks
Information provided by the town of Yarmouth.
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