Maintaining Your Septic System

Septic tanks are commonly used for waste water treatment and disposal where access to the County’s sanitary sewer system was not available at the time the property was developed. A septic system consists of a septic tank and drainage pipes. Lack of maintenance of your septic system can result in expensive repairs and raw sewage overflowing into storm drains and local waterways. This not only damages the quality of our streams and creeks but can also cause serious health risks. You can help prevent these problems by:

· Having your septic tank pumped by a certified pumping contractor every 3 – 5 years

· Keeping heavy cars or equipment away from the area where the pipes are located

· Practicing water conservation. Repair leaky faucets and toilets. Spread clothes washing over the entire week, and operate only with a full load of laundry. Excess water use can cause the system to saturate the soil, rise to the surface and flow into our streams.

· Not connecting your septic tank to the storm water drainage system

For more information on septic tank maintenance please contact the Environmental Health Section of the Gwinnett County Board of Health on 770-963-5132.