Septic System Care

Septic Systems

Many homes here in Lewisville have septic systems. Septic systems are wastewater treatment centers located beneath your property. The basic configuration of a septic system includes a septic tank and a drainfield. Septic systems are not part of a larger, centralized wastewater treatment system; they are specific to your property. As such, it is up to you to take care of your septic system. If you do not properly maintain your septic system, you run the risk of septic system failure.

Septic system failure can potentially harm your family’s health, damage your property and its surroundings, and cost you thousands of dollars.  Taking care of your septic system can help to prolong its lifespan and greatly lower the chance of a system failure. For your benefit, there are some maintenance tips listed below along with links to sites with more in-depth information for those who are interested.

Basic Maintenance Info: (taken from “How to Care for Your Septic System” on EPA site)

• The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional.
• Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.
• Use water efficiently. Doing so helps your septic system process waste more effectively.
• Septic systems should not be used for trash disposal. Never flush:
  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Flushable wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Diapers
  • Cigarette butts
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cat litter
  • Paper towels
  • Pharmaceuticals
  • Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

More Information

• Homepage: https://www.epa.gov/septic
• SepticSmart Homeowners (provides links to other important pages): https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart-homeowners
  • How Your Septic System Works: https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-your-septic-system-works
  • Why Maintain Your Septic System: https://www.epa.gov/septic/why-maintain-your-septic-system
  • How to Care for Your Septic System: https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system
  • What to Do If Your Septic System Fails: https://www.epa.gov/septic/what-do-if-your-septic-system-fails
  • More Resources: https://www.epa.gov/septic/more-resources-homeowners-septic-systems
  • Septic System Checklist: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-06/documents/septic_sticker.pdf