Septic Tank Management

When properly maintained, septic systems can provide long-term, effective treatment of household sanitary wastewater. Failing septic systems are costly to repair or replace and can prevent the wastewater from being properly treated. A septic system in good working order uses microbes in the soil to digest or remove harmful contaminants, bacteria and viruses from the wastewater before it reaches the groundwater.

You can protect your septic system by 1) inspecting it every 1 to 3 years and pumping your tank, as necessary, every 3 to 5 years, 2) using water efficiently, 3) disposing of household hazardous wastes properly and not dumping them into sinks or toilets, and 4) caring for your drainfield. Avoid driving over or parking on top of your septic system, and plant only grass over and near your drainfield since tree roots can damage the system.


From EPA's website:

"Septic systems can have numerous impacts on the quality of ground and surface water supplies. Improperly located or failing systems can discharge inadequately treated sewage, which may pond on the ground and run off into surface waters. Inappropriate vertical distances from ground water can result in contamination of water supply wells. The wastewater and sewage that may be discharged from failing on-site systems will contain bacteria and viruses that present problems for the health of both humans and aquatic organisms. In addition, excess nitrogen and phosphorus can cause algal blooms that reduce the level of available oxygen in the water and prevent sunlight from reaching desirable submerged aquatic vegetation."


EPA recommends the following ten steps 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.


Refer to the EPA publications and website links below for more information. Additional resources can also be found at the SCDHEC Trident Public Health District website linked below.

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