The first important step to take in ensuring a functioning on-site wastewater treatment system is how and where to construct it. If you are moving into a house that already has an on-site wastewater treatment system, it is essential to have it inspected to make sure it was properly installed and is up to your state’s codes. If you are considering installing an on-site wastewater treatment system on your property, it is necessary to have this done by a professional. The location and size of your septic system will vary greatly depending on the type of soil, number of bedrooms in your house, and fixtures which contribute to wastewater such as a dishwasher or clothes washer.

Once an on-site wastewater treatment system is installed, it is imperative to properly maintain it. Having your system regularly inspected can protect your family’s health as well as save you money. Repairing or replacing a septic system can be costly; replacement prices ranging from $2,000 - $15,000 and even more. The best method to prevent this unnecessary cost is regular maintenance. The US EPA recommends having your system inspected every three years, and pumped as recommended by the inspector. Pumping your septic system removes excess scum and sludge build up inside the tank.

The drainfield, also called the absorption field, consists of perforated pipes within a series of trenches or mounds lined with gravel and buried three feet below the surface. It too is important to maintain. It can become clogged by being overloaded or be compacted by having too much weight placed on it. The soil must stay uncompacted and unsaturated in order to continue treating waste properly.