If you are a new homeowner, just moved away from city-sewer, or want to educate yourself on your system, here are a few basics to help you out:
- Learn the location of your septic tank and drainfield, especially if your cover is underground. If that’s the case, it will need to be dug up before your pumper comes. (You can have risers installed to alleviate this problem.)
- Your state may require that your system is pumped and/or inspected within a certain amount of time. For example, here in Wisconsin, the requirement is every 3 years. That maintenance is overseen by each county. Any good local septic service will be able to explain how your county handles that requirement and what you will need to do as the homeowner. However, each system is different and it may be wisest to pump more often.
- Keep your system “healthy” by cutting back on antibacterial and antimicrobial cleaning products in the kitchen and bathrooms. Using a monthly bacterial additive can also help in this matter.
- Whenever you suspect a problem with your system, do not hesitate to call a professional. Don’t try to fix it yourself.
