What type of system do you have?

There are many different kinds of septic systems that can be used in the great state of North Carolina. Most of the nearly 2 million systems in use throughout our state are slight modifications of the conventional septic system. The conventional system has a septic tank and a drain-field, usually with gravel-filled trenches (usually two to six trenches). In North Carolina since the mid- to late 1990s, the traditional gravel aggregate trenches used in the past have given way to newer gravel-less trench designs.

The gravel-less trench designs rely on alternative materials in place of the gravel. The most common gravel-less trenches now used include either long, narrow, tunnel-shaped chambers in the trenches or gravel substitutes such as expanded polystyrene aggregate. Other alternative trench materials that are being used in some parts of the state include large diameter pipe, permeable concrete blocks, and even recycled rubber tires chopped into chips or pieces of a specific size.

To properly maintain your septic system, you should know the location of both the septic tank (and any other pretreatment units) and the drain-field. Contact the local health department for a copy of your septic system permit and soil evaluation sheet. These forms indicate the approximate locations of each of the system’s components and the size of the septic tank. The location of the septic tank and drain-field can usually be determined with a copy of the permit and with the help of a septic contractor, consultant, or the local health department.

Is your septic system working properly?

Unfortunately, if house fixtures drain well, few people investigate whether their septic system works. Many people don’t realize that untreated sewage on top of the ground can be a health hazard. If your system shows signs of problems, contact your local health department immediately.

State law requires that you get a permit from the health department before repairing a failing septic system. Be wary of any contractor who wants to attempt a repair without a permit.

What maintenance has been done?

Before planning a maintenance program, find out what maintenance has already been done. If you are buying an existing home, ask the seller a few important questions:

How old is the system?
Where are the tank and drain-field located (they may not be at the same location or even on the same lot)?
When was the tank last pumped?
How frequently has it been pumped?
How often has the “effluent filter” in the septic tank been cleaned (these effluent filters are required on systems installed since 1999).
Have there been signs of possible failure?
Where is a copy of the permit and records showing how well (or poorly) the system has been maintained?
Have there been additions made to the house that would necessitate increasing the size of the system?
Has the system ever been repaired, and if so, when, and by whom?

If the house has just been built, ask the septic system contractor to provide you an “as built” diagram that may show details not on the permit. If the house has a system with a pump, ask the contractor and health department to provide details concerning the initial pump setup.

Proper care of your septic system requires day-to-day management as well as periodic maintenance and repairs.

Don’t use too much water.

The drain-field does not have unlimited capacity.
Typical daily water use is 50 gallons per person.
The soil drain-field usually has a maximum daily design capacity of 120 gallons per bedroom, even for short periods of time.
Overloads can occur seasonally, daily, or on the weekend.
Repair dripping faucets and toilets.
Water conservation will extend the life of your system.

Limit disposal to sewage.

Don’t use your septic tank as a trash can for cigarette butts, tissues, sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, cat box litter, coffee grounds, or disposable diapers.
Restrict the use of your garbage disposal. These add quite a lot of extra solids.
Don’t pour grease or cooking oil down the drain.
Don’t poison your system with harmful chemicals, such as solvents, oils, paints, thinners, discarded medications, disinfectants, pesticides, poisons, and other substances.
Save money. Commercial septic tank additives are usually not necessary.

Protect the system from physical damage (site maintenance).

Keep the soil over the drain-field covered with vegetation to prevent soil erosion.
Don’t drive vehicles over the system.
Avoid construction over the system and repair area.
Maintain the natural shape of the land immediately down slope of the system, and protect this area from excavation (cutting and filling).
Don’t cover the tank or drain-field with asphalt or concrete.

Dispose of all wastewater in an approved system.

Don’t put in a separate pipe to carry wash waters to a side ditch or the woods. This is illegal.

Periodic Maintenance Repair

Home and yard (site maintenance)

Protect and maintain the site of your septic tank and drain-field.
Cut down and remove trees that like wet conditions. This includes willows, elms, sweet gums, and some maples.
Landscape the yard to divert surface waters away from the tank and drain-field.
Be sure that the water from the roof, gutters, and foundation drains does not flow over the system.
If your system is at the base of a slope, then consider installing a french drain to divert underground waters.
Maintain drainage ditches, subsurface tiles, and drainage outlets so that water can flow freely from them.

Septic tank

Install risers over the tank if it is buried 6 inches or deeper. They provide easy access for measuring and pumping solids as well as cleaning the effluent filter.
Measure how quickly sludge and scum accumulate in the tank. Have your professional pumper record this information.
Have solids pumped out of the tank as needed. Most septic tanks have two compartments; get both pumped.
Cooperative Extension Service publication AG-439-13, Septic Systems and Their Maintenance, contains more information on pumping frequency.
Don’t wait until your drain-field fails to have your tank pumped. By then, the drain-field may be ruined. With septic systems, an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure!

Signs of Possible Septic System Problems

Sewage backing up into your toilets, tubs, or sinks.
Slowly draining fixtures, particularly after it has rained.
The smell of raw sewage accompanied by soggy soil or sewage discharged over the ground or in nearby ditches or woods.
Note: pump systems sewage may come to the ground surface when the pump is turned on and then disappear after the pump turns off. This is still a system failure and must be repaired.
An alarm flashing (red light) or beeping in the house or in the yard indicating a pump is not working properly or that the water level in a pump tank is too high and close to failure.
An increase in infections or illnesses associated with swimming in lakes or rivers next to the system.

Regulations and precautions

Hire a state-certified Waste water contractor or subsurface system operator for any system with a pump. One will be required by law for low pressure pipe (LPP) systems installed or repaired after July 1, 1992, any subsurface drip irrigation systems, aerobic treatment units (ATUs), peat biofolters, sand biofilters, textile biofilters, and other complex systems.
A list of state-certified subsurface system operators can be obtained from the NC Water Pollution Control System Certification Commission at 919-707-9089.
Be sure the pump and electrical components continue working properly between scheduled maintenance visits.
Sewage contains germs that can cause diseases. Never enter a septic tank. Toxic and explosive gases in the tank present a hazard. Old tanks may collapse. Electrical controls present a shock and spark hazard. Secure the septic tank lid so that children cannot open it.
Don’t attempt to repair a failing system yourself. Get a repair permit and Hire a state-certified Waste water contractor.

NC Cooperative Extension Service publication AG-439-13, Septic Systems and Their Maintenance, describes the conventional system, simple modifications of it, and important maintenance needs.

Acknowledgements

This publication is a revision of an earlier version.

Appreciation is extended to Tom Konsler (Orange County Health Department), Deanna Osmond, Mitch Woodward, and Grace Lawrence (North Carolina Cooperative Extension) for peer review of the document and to Debra Ireland for graphic design, layout, and editing

Authors:

Mike Hoover

Professor and Extension Specialist (Soils and Septic Systems)
Crop and Soil Sciences

Jonathan Godfrey

Extension Associate
Crop and Soil Sciences

North Carolina State University and North Carolina A&T State University commit themselves to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability. In addition, the two Universities welcome all persons without regard to sexual orientation.

Publication date: June 1, 2016 AG-439-22