by Michelle Christensen 

With the arrival of Spring, it is customary to think of spring cleaning, and this season also presents the ideal opportunity to have your septic system inspected and pumped. It is important to note that the most expensive component of your residence is not the furnace, hot water tank, oil tank, or even the water pump, but rather the septic system. Replacing a septic system can cost between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on its complexity. While the average lifespan of a septic system ranges from 15 to 40 years, proper maintenance can extend its longevity.

How does a septic system work?

1. All water runs out of your house from one main drainage pipe into a septic tank.
2. The septic tank is a buried, water-tight container. Its job is to hold the wastewater long enough for solids to settle to the bottom (sludge) while the fats, oil and grease float to the top (scum).
3. For conventional septic systems, liquid wastewater exits the tank and is spread evenly throughout the drain field, usually through a distribution box. Systems with more advanced treatment may have an additional component between the septic tank and drain field.
4. Once in the drain field, the wastewater percolates into the soil, which reclaims the water for future reuse by naturally removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and some nutrients.

This process may vary based on the site conditions of your property (e.g., soil type, proximity to water).

A septic system service provider and your septic system’s “as built” drawings will be able to tell you what type of system is on the property.

So why does HPWA care about my septic system?

In recent years, the ponds have experienced harmful cyanobacteria and algae blooms, affecting the use of the ponds as well as home values and the environment. The Herring Pond Water Association (HPWA), in collaboration with the town of Plymouth, engaged the School for Marine Science and Technology to investigate the causes of these water quality issues.
The evaluation report revealed that 47% of Great Herring Pond’s phosphorus budget originates from the septic systems, including cesspool and ground runoff of homes around both Little Herring and Great Herring Pond. To reduce the risk of further blooms, it is recommended that all septic systems and cesspool tanks be pumped and maintained properly.

Back to Spring Cleaning and Maintaining your System:

• General Recommendation: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) advises that septic tanks, including cesspool tanks, should be inspected and pumped every three to five years. Therefore, if your tank has not been serviced since the COVID-19 pandemic, it is recommended to do so promptly.
• Factors Influencing Pumping Frequency:
  • Household Usage: Higher water usage and the presence of a garbage disposal can lead to more solids accumulating in the tank, requiring more frequent pumping.
  • System Age: Older septic systems may require more frequent pumping to maintain proper function.
  • Signs of a Full Tank: Look for signs like slow draining, gurgling sounds, sewage smells, or a very green lawn above the drain field.
• If you have a garbage disposal, pumping should be performed annually
• Licensed Septage Haulers: Make sure to have your septic tank pumped by a septage hauler licensed with the Plymouth Board of Health. Providers can be found here or via link: https://www.plymouth-ma.gov/536/Septic-System-Information

What can I do to help maintain my system every day?

• Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
• “Cloggers” include diapers, baby wipes, cat litter, cigarettes, coffee grounds, grease, and feminine hygiene products.
• “Killers” include household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, paint, bleach and high amounts of anti-bacterial soaps and detergents.
• Don’t strain your drain. The less water you use, the less your septic system has to work. Stagger the use of appliances, use high efficiency plumbing fixtures, and repair any leaks in your home.
• Shield your field. Keep your car and anything heavier than your lawnmower off your drain field.
• Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. This will significantly reduce the amount of fats, grease, and solids that enter your septic system and could clog your drain field.
• Plant trees away from the drain field since tree roots can clog the field and cause the system to fail.
• Keep excess water from irrigation, significant rainfall, or drains off the drain field.