Conducting Proper Septic System Maintenance
Nearly one in four households in the United States depends on an individual septic system (referred to as an onsite system) or small community cluster systems to treat wastewater. Over 30% of Oregonians use septic systems at their homes and businesses. In far too many cases, these systems are installed and largely forgotten – until problems arise. The difference between a failing system and a working system is the implementation of an effective inspection and maintenance program. Such a program, if properly executed, can protect public health, preserve valuable water resources, and save Oregon homeowners time, money and frustration.
Often overlooked or neglected is the fact that a septic system should have a regular check-up to prevent problems. If you're in our greater Portland-metro or Columbia River Gorge service area our FREE Septic Stress Test is the perfect opportunity to do just that! Don’t hesitate to call if you suspect it’s time for a Septic System Inspection and Stress Test! Components that should be inspected on a regular basis are:
- The sludge level in the tank (to help determine when pumping is necessary)
- The effluent filter should be checked for proper cleaning
- The size of the inlet and the outlet
- The septic pump and its multiple components
- The absorption field should be checked for sogginess or ponding
- Both baffles should be check to make sure they are working properly
Over the years we have seen plenty of things go wrong with septic systems, and most of the time it has to do with flushing the wrong things down your toilet. These septic systems are a delicate mini-ecosystem, and should be treated that way. For a list of items not to flush down the drain click here to go to our Don’t Flush These Items page.
Finally, if you are thinking about using an additive, we encourage you to take a few more minutes and read our Additive or Not To Additive page, to learn more.