Check List for Evaluating Your Septic System

1. Locate and mark the location of your septic system. You should map this information and keep it with your house records.
2. When was the septic tank last pumped? Septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years depending upon usage. If it has been over this period or if you have recently moved into the house and don’t know when the tank was last pumped, you should pull the tank lid, or contact a septic tank company, to check the tank and confirm the current condition. When the tank is pumped, ask the technician to check the baffles or sanitary tee inside the tank to insure proper operation. If a filter is utilized, it should be pulled, properly cleaned and reinstalled.
3. Do toilets flush slowly and does water drain slowly from sinks, bathtubs and showers? Do you hear “gurgling” sounds when water drains?
4. Is there any standing water, soggy ground, or smelly liquid in or near the lateral field?
5. Does the ground slope toward the septic system?
6. Is the septic tank and/or lateral field less than 100 feet from a lake, stream or pond?
7. Are water loving trees such as willows, sycamores, birches, or water maples growing within 10 feet of the septic tank or lateral field?
8. Are there any areas over the septic tank or drainfield where people have frequently driven vehicles or heavy equipment?
9. Have any additions been made to the house since the present septic system was originally
   installed?
10. Do you have dripping faucets or a toilet that runs continuously or gradually loses water from its
    tank?
11. Do you put cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cooking fats, disposable diapers, facial tissue, wet-strength towels, or other non-biodegradable materials into your septic tank, either through toilets or sinks?

EVALUATION RESULTS

If you have answered YES to one or more of questions 3 - 11, the septic system may not be functioning correctly. Call your local health department, or seek other professional help. Should a repair or alteration of the system be required, be sure to engage the services of a professional who is licensed and certified to perform the required work. Have all work permitted and inspected by the appropriate health agency. If you have any questions about your septic system or qualified installers, you may contact your state health department , in Kentucky the Kentucky Division of Water in Frankfort can be contacted at 502-564-3410.

Taking Care of Your System:
Your septic system represents a significant investment worth protecting . The old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is so true when it comes to the care of your septic system. If you follow the operation and maintenance guidelines given below, your system will function better and last longer, and you will avoid the nightmare and expense of a failed system. Most important, your system will not be polluting groundwater.

• Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
  
• Repair any leaking faucets and toilets
  
• Discharge only biodegradable wastes into system
  
• Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your drainfield
  
• Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping.
  
• Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.
  
• Call a licensed and state certified professional when you have problems
  
• Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.

• Use a garbage disposal for items such as coffee grounds, bones, egg shells, etc.
  
• Flush sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, condoms and other non-biodegradable products into your system
  
• Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides or poisons down the drain. These materials can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate the groundwater.
  
• Dig in your lateral field or build anything over it.
  
• Plant anything over your lateral field, except grass.
  
• Drive over your lateral field or compact the soil in any way.

To learn more about acheiving " peace of mind" maintenance for your specific wastewater system see Sewage Protection Program

Other Topics:
Sewage Protection Program | General Septic Problems | Installation, Repair & Service Maintenance | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Improve Your System Practice Water Conservation | Caring for Your Septic System - Do's & Don'ts | Ten Commandments for Your Septic Tank | Septic Systems - How They Work | Preventing Onsite Failures

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