Information for Homeowners

• Ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly
• Publications
• Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems
• Technical Assistance
• Funding

If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you or your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

Here are ten simple steps you can take to keep your septic system working properly.

1. Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
2. Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.
3. Pump your septic tank as needed (generally every three to five years).
4. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets.
5. Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
6. Use water efficiently.
7. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drainfield.
8. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
9. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
10. Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.

Generally, EPA does not regulate septic systems, however, state and local governments do regulate the use of these systems. Where You Live provides links to state and local septic septic system requirements.

For more information, download these helpful publications.

The publications above can be printed to your local printer or sent to a professional printing company. You may order copies of the Wastewater Month CD and printed copies of these materials free of charge. The Wastewater Month CD includes many helpful and educational publications, including the publications above and files to take to printers. Please contact EPA's NPDES program at npdesbox-request@epa.gov or fax your request to (202) 564-6392.

Create your own materials for neighbors or homeowners associations using these graphics.

If you have additional questions about septic systems, call the Small Flows Clearinghouse (800) 624-8301.

Technical Assistance

• National Small Flows Clearinghouse (NSFC) - The NSFC was established in 1977 with the passage of the Clean Water Act to provide technical assistance and information services about "small flows" wastewater treatment systems. A small flows system is one that has 1 million gallons or less of wastewater flowing through it each day. Such systems range from septic systems to small sewage treatment plants. Funded by EPA, the NSFC provides information about innovative, low-cost wastewater treatment for communities with populations of fewer than 10,000. Emphasis is placed on finding practical, alternative solutions for small flows wastewater problems. The NSFC helps homeowners, renters, citizens' groups, local industry leaders, research scientists, educators, local government officials, state government officials, consultants, manufacturers, operators and maintainers, contractors and related professionals. Services provided include two quarterly newsletters, a toll-free technical assistance hotline, numerous free and low-cost technical publications, a Web site and a discussion group. The NSFC's databases include nationwide data on onsite regulations, bibliographies, and manufacturers and consultants.
• Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) - RCAP is a resource for community leaders and others looking for technical assistance services and training related to rural drinking water supply and wastewater treatment needs, rural solid waste programs, housing, economic development, comprehensive community assessment and planning, and environmental regulations.
• United States Department of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service - Cooperative Extension offices located at land-grant universities conduct research and provide educational resources to homeowners and municipalities. Many offices conduct septic system research.

Funding

Clean Water State Revolving Fund - Each state and Puerto Rico operates a Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) which issues low or no-interest loans for important water quality projects, including, in some cases, septic systems. Because the program is managed by states, project funding varies according to the priorities, policies, and laws within each state. Some states use their CWSRFs to provide loans to homeowners for septic system repairs or upgrades, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, and Minnesota. For more information see Funding Decentralized Wastewater Systems Using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund - [PDF, 6 pp., 573KB]

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Last updated on December 31, 2006 4:43 PM
URL:http://cfpub.epa.gov/owm/septic/homeowners.cfm