Septic System Quick Help

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General Operation and Maintenance publications


FAQ about Septic Systems


How often do I need to pump my septic tank?

A septic tank needs regular pumping to work properly. How often depends on how much water your household uses, how many people live in the home, and the size of the tank.

Your septic tank should be checked once a year. During the inspection, the filter is checked to see if pumping is needed.

You should contact a septic tank pumper if:

  • Solids are above the filter, or

  • The solid layer is more than 4 inches thick

When should I have my septic system inspected?

Your septic system should be inspected at least every 5 years to check for pumping needs and other problems.

You may need an inspection or repair permit if you notice:

  • Wet or soggy areas in your yard

  • Slow drains inside the home

  • Sewage odors

How do I maintain my septic system?

To keep your septic system working well:

  • Conserve water

  • Do not flush chemicals, wipes, or grease

  • Keep grass over the drain field

  • Have the tank checked every 5 years

Good maintenance helps your system last longer and prevents costly repairs.

What permits are needed to build a house with a septic system?

If public sewer is not available, Environmental Health must issue the following permits:

Improvement Permit
Confirms the soil can support a septic system. Some lots already have this permit.

Construction Authorization
Allows the septic system to be installed. This permit must be issued before a building permit. You must submit an application, floor plan, and site plan.

Well Permit
Required if the property is not served by public water.

What if I want to replace or add onto an existing house?

If you are not increasing the number of bedrooms and the addition does not affect the septic system or well, you must apply for an Existing System Authorization.

You must submit an application, floor plan, and site plan. Environmental Health will visit the site and issue approval before the building permit.

If the number of bedrooms increases or the septic system must be moved, you will likely need a new Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization.

What is a conventional septic system?

A conventional septic system includes a septic tank and a drain field.

After waste leaves the tank, liquid flows into the drain field, where it slowly filters into the soil. The soil naturally treats the wastewater.

What size septic system do I need?

Septic systems are sized based on the number of bedrooms in the home. More bedrooms require a larger tank and drain field.

For septic sizing, a bedroom is any room that could reasonably be used as a bedroom, even if it is currently used for something else.

A typical 4-bedroom septic system and repair area usually need ¼ to ⅓ of an acre of suitable soil.

What is a repair area?

A repair area is extra land set aside in case the original drain field fails.

If needed, the system can switch between the original drain field and the repair field. While one is in use, the other rests and recovers, helping the system last longer.

What can I plant near my septic system?

The best cover over a drain field is healthy grass.

Planting trees near a drain field is not recommended. Tree roots can damage septic pipes, especially since many drain fields have only 6 to 12 inches of soil over them.

Avoid planting these trees near a septic system:

  • Trees with fibrous roots

  • Elm

  • Maple

  • Sweet gum

  • Willow