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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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March 23, 2010 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Caring for Your Septic System
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
A septic system is not
different than any other item that requires periodic maintenance. Cars
need oil changes, pianos need tuning, furnaces and houses need cleaning,
clothes need to be washed and septic systems need routine cleaning for
continued proper functioning! The age of your system, the presence of a
garbage disposal system and the size/water use of your family should
determine the interval at which the system should be cleaned. For some
families, this may be an annual necessity, but for others, every couple
of years may work.
In addition to cleaning, systems should be inspected every 1 to 5 years,
depending on the age of the system and your use of water. If your
household is large or uses large quantities of water, it should be
inspected more often. Or, if you suspect you have a problem, don't delay
in getting it evaluated. Signs of a potential problem include: sewage
surfacing over the drainfield, especially after storms; lush green
growth over the drainfield; slow-draining toilets or drains; and/or
sewage odors.
A failing septic system can be a major expense to repair for a homeowner
and a liability for selling a home. Cleaning the tank won't prevent all
types of system failures, but it will help prevent some. Other failures
are caused by not understanding the proper use of the system or poor
soil conditions and/or faulty design or installation. If you suspect a
system problem or failure, you should get an evaluation by a licensed
septic system professional. At the same time, District residents should
call QVHD and consult with a sanitarian. Note: all septic system repairs
require permits from this office.
THERE ARE MANY DO'S AND DON'TS FOR SEPTIC “HEALTH.” Most importantly,
your toilet is not a trash can! Recommendations include:
- Don't pour grease or fat into the system which can cause clogs.
- Be wary of chemical products advertised to “clean” your tank.
They should not be used as a substitute for routine cleaning. This
includes septic tank additives, cleansers, yeast, sugar etc. These
products are not necessary and may cause harm.
- Don't use large quantities of water all at once (i.e. everyone
showers, then you do the week's laundry and run the dishwasher.)
Space out water usage for less stress on the system.
- Keep latex paint, varnishes, paint thinners, waste oil and other
similar products out of your system. These products can disrupt the
biological balance within your septic system.
- Don't flush paper towels, sanitary napkins, baby wipes or
disposable diapers down the toilet.
- Don't let heavy trucks or equipment drive over your tank or
leaching fields.
- Plant only grass over and near your system. Roots from trees or
shrubs can clog or damage the drainfields.
For a free brochures on septic systems, District residents can call
QVHD 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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