Be Septic Smart

The Septic Smart workshop was held May 17, 2025.

Click here to watch a video of the workshop, courtesy of Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District.

Introduction/Background:

The Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed (FLOW) is reaching out to homeowners in the Olentangy Watershed, whose homes are served by decentralized residential wastewater treatment systems (septic tank/leach field or home aeration units) to encourage participation in our Septic Smart initiative. One in every five households depends on a septic system to treat their wastewater. When these systems malfunction, they can negatively impact the water quality in the Olentangy River and its tributaries.

The Septic Smart program aims to provide materials and resources to increase homeowner’s education on septic systems and promote awareness in caring for them. Proper inspection and maintenance today can prevent costly repairs tomorrow!

This page will provide you with a general overview of important topics pertaining to septic systems, as well as providing links to the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) websites that directly relate to each topic. The US EPA has a wealth of information on septic systems, and is the creator of the Septic Smart program. To navigate to the main page of the US EPA septic system information, visit https://www.epa.gov/septic.

What is a septic system?

Septic systems, otherwise known as decentralized residential wastewater treatment systems, are underground sewage and wastewater treatment systems, often treated through a combination of natural and technological processes, in order to treat wastewater from household plumbing. This includes wastewater from bathrooms, laundry, kitchen drains, and showers.

While different types of septic systems treat household wastewater in different ways, if they are installed, sited, maintained, and used properly, they can have advantages of public health, economic, and environmental benefits. In general, the systems work by all household wastewater flowing from the house to a tank or other holding space where solids settle out of the liquids, and then the liquids are moved to a drain field where they are naturally treated through the soil, eventually reaching our groundwater. If your system is not properly cared for or used correctly, there is potential for flooding of the drainfield, leading to untreated sewage to flow up to the ground surface, or backing up into toilets and sinks.

For more information on what septic systems are, and how they work, visit these sites.

• https://www.epa.gov/septic/about-septic-systems
• https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-septic-systems-work
• https://www.gbra.org/presentations/septic/index.html (an interactive demonstration of how your system works and how to care for it)

What type of septic system do you have?

As was mentioned earlier, there are different types of septic systems. Each of them work slightly differently, and it is important to know what type you have so you can properly maintain it. Follow this link to find out more about your type of septic system.

• https://www.epa.gov/septic/types-septic-systems

Why do routine maintenance?

In general, septic systems need to be inspected every 1 to 3 years, and pumped every 3 to 5 years. By doing this, you will ultimately save yourself money, protect your property value, protect yourself and your neighbors, and protect the environment.

Emergency maintenance on a septic system can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000, whereas regular maintenance costs between $250 to $500 every three to five years. Save yourself the time, stress, and money, and regularly inspect and service your septic system.

Even if your septic system seems to be functioning normally but you haven’t inspected and pumped it recently, there may be issues with the system that you cannot see. Your tank could be leaking, causing untreated sewage to flow into the ground or surface water, causing harm to the environment, and can contaminate your drinking water, harming you and your neighbors.

To make sure you are properly caring for your septic system, create a routine maintenance plan, keep your maintenance records, and make sure you are using it correctly, especially being smart about your water usage, and not putting trash and other harmful materials such as oils, fats, and food waste down your drains.

Septic tanks generally have a lifespan of around 50 years, depending on the design and material of the tank. However, depending on what different mechanisms your septic system use, these parts may not last as long, and could require replacement or repair sooner. Additionally, depending on the construction of your drainfield, they may require more frequent maintenance or replacing, generally every 25 to 30 years. It is a good idea to plan on a septic system upgrade about every 25 years, in order to be prepared and avoid emergency situations.

• Why: https://www.epa.gov/septic/why-maintain-your-septic-system
• How:  https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

How long does it last?

• The lifespan of a septic system depends on the material it is made of, the design, installation, service and exposure conditions, and maintenance of the system. Typically, a septic tank made of concrete may last 50 years or more, although older tanks may not be as well constructed as newer tanks. Tanks made from other materials, such as plastic may last a similar timeframe. See the manufacturer for projected lifespan estimates as well as strength, design, installation, and warranty information.
• If your septic system includes a pump, many pumps and controls will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. If you have an advanced treatment unit, check with the manufacturer for estimates of lifespan and warranty information.
• If your drainfield is more than 25 to 30 years old, the natural biomat that forms in the bottom of the trenches or beds can thicken and reduce the ability of the drainfield to properly discharge the wastewater into the ground. This can cause ponding in the drainfield, surfacing of untreated wastewater, or backing up into the septic tank and into the plumbing in the house.
• If your septic system is more than 25 to 30 years old, start planning for an upgrade before you are in an emergency situation. It is likely your system is close to its useful lifespan.

What impacts does a septic system have on water quality/water sources?

Making sure your septic system is functioning properly is important for a multitude of reasons, but is especially important to protect your drinking water and surface water resources. Many people who rely on septic systems also rely on well water for their household water needs, including cooking and drinking water.

If these systems are not installed, cared for, or used properly, septic systems can leak or not function correctly and cause your well water and surface water to become contaminated with untreated sewage. This causes many problems, including health issues for yourself and your neighbors, and is harmful to the environment.

Learn more at https://www.epa.gov/septic/septic-system-impacts-water-sources

Conclusion

Making sure your septic system is being serviced, maintained, and used properly ensures a healthy environment for everybody. In addition, it will save you money and time in the long run, by avoiding emergency septic system maintenance. Take some time to learn more about how to use your septic system, and be septic smart! To learn more about the US EPA Septic Smart program, visit https://www.epa.gov/septic/septicsmart.