Septic System Care & Upgrades

Shoreline, Septic & Stormwater

Keep wastewater out of the lake by maintaining your septic system, using water wisely, and upgrading when needed.

Septic 101 (Plain Language)

A typical onsite system includes a septic tank (settles solids, begins treatment) and a drainfield (soil finishes treatment). Some sites use mound or advanced treatment units where soils or groundwater are limiting.

Why It Matters for Lakes

  • Nutrients: Failing systems add phosphorus and nitrogen that fuel algae
  • Pathogens: Untreated wastewater can carry bacteria and viruses
  • Hydrology: Surfacing effluent and saturated soils send pollution downslope to the lake

Signs of Trouble (Act Quickly)

  • Slow drains or gurgling inside the house
  • Wet, spongy, or greener-than-usual grass over the drainfield
  • Sewage odors outdoors or in the basement
  • Standing water or surfacing effluent near the tank/field
  • Backups during heavy use or after rain

Routine Care (What to Do)

  • Pump the tank on a schedule—typically every 3–5 years (more often with garbage disposals, large households, or small tanks). Keep records.
  • Clean/replace effluent filters annually if present
  • Inspect lids, risers, and alarms at least once a year; ensure lids are secure
  • Spread out water use: Stagger laundry and showers to avoid overloading the system in a single day
  • Keep roots out: Maintain grass or shallow-rooted plants over the field; avoid trees/shrubs directly above it

Use & Disposal (Protect the System)

Do NOT Flush:
  • Wipes (even "flushable")
  • Feminine products
  • Condoms
  • Dental floss
  • Cat litter
  • Paper towels
Do:
  • Limit grease and oils; wipe pans into trash first
  • Avoid bleach or heavy disinfectant shocks
  • Skip additives—enzyme/chemical "boosters" are unnecessary
  • Keep roof, sump, or water softener discharge out of septic

Protect the Drainfield Area

  • No driving, parking, or heavy equipment on the field (prevents compaction and pipe damage)
  • Maintain grade and cover: Keep a grassy cover; add soil lightly to fill animal burrows or erosion, not to raise grade significantly
  • Direct gutters and downspouts away so the field doesn't saturate

Cold-Climate Notes (Freeze Protection)

  • Insulate with vegetation: Leave grass a bit longer before winter; avoid scalping
  • Snow is your friend: It insulates—don't plow to bare ground over lines
  • Prevent freezing: Fix leaks and drips (constant trickles can freeze lines); use regular, moderate flows during deep cold
  • Avoid compaction on frozen soils from vehicles/snowmobiles over the field

When to Call a Professional

  • Any backup, surfacing effluent, or odor that persists
  • Suspected tank or line damage after construction, vehicle traffic, or tree work
  • Uncertain location or age of the system—request a locate and inspection

Upgrades & Improvements (When Needed)

  • Risers & Secure Lids

    Bring access to grade for safer, easier maintenance

  • Effluent Filter + High-Level Alarm

    Reduces solids to the field and alerts if blockage occurs

  • Timed-Dosing or Pressure Distribution

    Evens out flows; helpful on sensitive sites

  • Advanced Treatment Units (ATUs)

    Improve nitrogen and BOD removal where soils/groundwater are limiting

  • Mound Systems

    Provide treatment above grade where soils are shallow or groundwater is high

  • Holding Tank (Last Resort)

    Requires frequent pumping; plan for reliable service and costs

Landscaping Over Septic (Do/Don't)

Do:
  • Use grasses, shallow-rooted natives, and low-maintenance groundcovers
Don't:
  • Plant deep-rooted trees/shrubs on the field
  • Avoid vegetable gardens (pathogen risk)
  • Build patios, sheds, firepits, or driveways over tanks or fields

Water-Wise Habits (Reduce Load)

  • Fix leaks (toilet flappers, dripping faucets)
  • Install WaterSense fixtures and efficient appliances
  • Choose front-load washers; run full loads
  • Use low-phosphorus detergents and normal amounts—more soap ≠ cleaner

Selling or Remodeling? Check Compliance

Many areas require point-of-sale or remodel inspections. Keep a folder with as-builts, pumping records, and any repairs.

Simple Maintenance Log (Fill-In)

System type & size: ______________________________
Tank last pumped: __________ By: ____________
Filter cleaned (date): ___________________________
Alarms tested (date): ____________________________
Repairs/notes: __________________________________

Bottom Line

Septic care is lake care. Pump on schedule, protect the drainfield, manage water use, and upgrade when site limits or age demand it—before problems reach the lake.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Pump tank every 3-5 years
  • Watch for warning signs (slow drains, odors, wet spots)
  • Never flush wipes or feminine products
  • Protect drainfield from vehicles and deep-rooted plants
  • Spread out water use throughout the day
  • Keep maintenance records

Pumping Schedule

Typical intervals:

  • 3-5 years: Standard households
  • 2-3 years: Large households, garbage disposal
  • More often: Small tanks, high water use

Warning Signs

  • Slow drains/gurgling
  • Wet, greener grass over field
  • Sewage odors
  • Standing water near tank
  • Backups after rain

Need Professional Help?

Contact a licensed septic professional for inspections, pumping, repairs, or upgrades. Keep records of all service.

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