Price County

Caring for Your Septic System

The accumulated solids in the bottom of the septic tank should be pumped out every three to five years to prolong the life of your system. Septic systems must be maintained regularly to stay working.

Neglect or abuse of your septic system can cause it to fail. Failing septic systems can:

	Cause a serious health threat to your family and neighbors.
	Degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater.
	Reduce the value of your property.
	Be very expensive to repair and put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.

Be alert to these warning signs of a failing system:

	Sewage surfacing over the drainfield (especially after storms).
	Sewage back-ups in the house.
	Lush, green growth over the drainfield.
	Slow draining toilets or drains.
	Sewage odors.