Septic System Care and Maintenance

Cleaning effluent filter with soap and brush

Karen Mancl, Professor, Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering
Brian Slater, Associate Professor, Environment and Natural Resources

 

Homes beyond the reach of a city sewer must treat and disperse wastewater on their lots. This household sewage treatment system requires regular care and maintenance just like other components of a home. A neglected system threatens public health and can result in financial losses to the property. In cities, a trained professional operator cares for the wastewater treatment system. For homes with household sewage treatment systems, the property owner is responsible for maintenance.

Household sewage treatment systems usually consist of a septic tank, a treatment system, and a dispersal system. The expected life of a properly maintained wastewater treatment system is around 20 years.  To continue reading this factsheet click here