Wastewater System Standard Field Maintenance

Maintaining Your Wastewater System with Standard Field

Care of the septic system:

  • Have your tank pumped, by a licensed hauler (pdf), a minimum of every 5 years;
  • NEVER enter the septic tank as there are dangerous gases present;
  • Monitor your lateral field for pooling;
  • If pooling is present, contact a licensed installer (pdf). A repair permit will be required from Environmental Health;
  • Contact Environmental Health prior to any building additions, fencing, decking, exterior buildings or alterations to your property.

To extend the useful life of your lateral field, conserve water by:

  • Using your garbage disposal sparingly;
  • Spreading out water usage during the day;
  • Spreading out laundry during the week;
  • Repairing leaky faucets and valves;
  • Using water conservation fixtures.      

Do not put these items down the drain or toilet:

 
  • Bones
  • Chemicals
  • Coffee Grounds
  • Condoms
  • Degreasers
  • Diapers
  • Egg Shells
  • Enzyme or Septic Additives
  • Fats, Oils, or Grease
  • Glass
  • Kitty Litter
  • Metal
  • Paint
  • Pesticides
  • Poisons
  • Rags
  • Sand
  • Solvents
  • Tampons
  • Water Softener or Reverse Osmosis Wastewater Discharge
  • Wet Wipes (even flushable)

Care of Lateral Field:

  • Do not park equipment or vehicles (cars, motor homes, trailers, etc.) on the lateral field;
  • Do not allow livestock onto the lateral field;
  • Do not plant trees or vegetables on the lateral field;
  • Direct downspouts and rainwater away from the lateral field
  • Do not build anything (including fire pits) on the lateral field;
  • Plant only grass over the lateral field and keep it mowed;
  • Keep underground irrigation systems 25 feet from the lateral field;
  • Broken inspection ports on the lateral field must be repaired by a licensed installer (pdf).