- Practice water conservation.
The more wastewater you produce, the more the soil must treat and
dispose. By reducing and balancing your use, you can extend the
life of the lateral field, decrease the possibility of system failure,
and avoid costly repairs.
To reduce your water usage:
- Use water-saving devices.
- Repair leaky faucets and plumbing fixtures.
- Wash only full loads of laundry and space the time between laundry
loads throughout the week.
- Keep accurate records.
Know where your septic tank and lateral field are, and keep a diagram
of their location. Records of the system size and location may
also be available from the Johnson County Environmental Department.
It is also wise to keep a record of maintenance on the system.
These records will be helpful if problems occur, and will be valuable
to the next owner of the home.
- Inspect your system once each year.
Inspect the lateral field and downslope areas for odors, wet spots, or
surfacing sewage. Check that the soil cover and grass cover are
maintained over the lateral lines.
- Keep all runoff away from your system.
Water from surfaces, such as roofs, driveways, or patios, and
discharge from sump pumps and swimming pools, should be diverted away
from the septic tank and lateral field.
- Inspect and pump your septic tank regularly.
Periodic pumping of the tank will prevent buildup of sludge and
scum. Depending on the water usage of your household, the
typical pumping frequency is every 3-5 years. An annual
inspection to check the sludge and scum levels is recommended.
Pumping must be performed by a licensed sanitary disposal
contractor. When the tank is pumped, check to see if the tees or
baffles are in good condition. Also, check the structural
integrity of the tank. Tanks constructed of materials other than
concrete will deteriorate faster.
- Never flush harmful materials into the septic tank.
Disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, condoms, kitty litter,
coffee grounds, cigarette butts, and the like will not decompose in
the tank and may clog your system. Greases and cooking fats may
plug sewer lines or build up the tank and plug the inlet.
Chemicals, such as solvents, oils, paints, thinners, poisons, and
pesticides, are harmful to the system's proper operation and may
pollute the groundwater. For information on the proper disposal
of household hazardous waste call the Johnson County Environmental
Department at 715-6900 or visit our
Hazardous Materials Program web page.
- Protect your system from damage.
Keep traffic, such as vehicles, heavy equipment, or livestock, off
your lateral field and replacement area. The pressure can
compact the soil or damage the pipes. Before you plant a garden,
construct a building, or install a pool, check on the location of your
system and the replacement area.
- Never enter any septic tank.
Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen in a septic tank can be
fatal. Any work on the tank should be done from the outside with
proper ventilation.
- Landscape your system properly.
Don't place impermeable materials over your lateral field or
replacement area. Materials, such as concrete or plastic,
reduce the evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for
proper effluent treatment. Grass is the best cover for your
system.
- Check with the Johnson County Environmental
Department for help with your system problems.
Some malfunctions may require complete replacement of your lateral
field; however, many problems can be corrected with a minimum of
cost and effort. Minor and major repairs to your system must be
performed by a licensed installer and permitted by JCED.
Lists of licensed septic installers and licensed sanitary disposal
contractors are available, as well as information on design,
construction, and maintenance of a variety of systems.
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