A conventional septic system requires maintenance, inspection, and service every three years to ensure continued operation. Most waterfront homeowners in NW Wisconsin utilize a conventional septic system. Not only is a properly functional system designed to protect their family’s health, but also to protect the surface and groundwater from contamination. Steps to ensure a properly functioning septic system:

• Pump or inspect your septic system every three years.
• Divert surface water away from the drain field.
• Avoid driving or parking on the drain field to prevent soil compaction.
• Avoid obstructed drain lines by keeping roots of trees and shrubs away from the drain field pipes.
• To prevent drain field clogs, avoid putting cooking grease, oils, coffee grounds, cigarettes, sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, paper towels down the drain or toilet.
• Compost your vegetable scraps rather than using a garbage disposal.
• Conserve water with low-flow toilets, faucets, and shower heads.

How do you know if your septic system is malfunctioning?

• Sewage is backing up in the basement or drains.
• Water is ponding or creating wet areas over the drain field.
• Bright green grass over the drain field.
• Dense aquatic plants along only your shore land.
• Sewage odors.
• Bacteria or nitrate in nearby well water.
• Biodegradable dye flushed through your system can be detected in the lake.