Protecting Wells From Septic Systems | Pete's Outflow Technicians

Septic systems are designed to collect wastewater from the house and return that wastewater to the ground. If the septic system is not working properly, or if the septic system is too close to the home's well, the result could be drinking water contamination.

Understanding how septic systems work and what you can do to protect your well water from your septic system can help you keep your family's drinking water safe. Here's what you need to know.  

Know How Septic Systems Work

A septic tank is an underground tank that collects wastewater from the house. Eventually, that wastewater drains out of the tank into a part of the yard called the drain field. Some solids inside the tank are liquefied by bacteria in the tank, but the remaining solids settle to the bottom of the tank. These solids are eventually pumped out manually by a septic tank maintenance company.

When the water soaks into the drain field, the soil filters the water. Bacteria in the water is left in the soil. By the time the wastewater reaches the groundwater supply, it is clean and safe to drink.

Know the Potential Problems

Septic systems must be well maintained and must be located a safe distance from the well. A clogged septic tank may saturate the ground with sewer water, which could lead to contamination of the well water. Contamination could also occur if the septic tank is too close to the well.

Get a Proper Septic System Inspection

Have the septic tank inspected by a knowledgeable septic tank contractor. Your contractor will check for a variety of problems including:

• Clogs in the septic line

• Overflow from inside the septic tank

• Drainage problems

• Poor installation of the septic tank and close proximity to the well

Depending on what your septic tank contractor finds, they may recommend repairs or even relocation of the septic tank. Follow the contractor's advice to avoid drinking water contamination.

Maintain Your Septic System

Even if your septic tank is properly maintained and is a good distance from the well, maintaining your septic tank is critical. Failure to maintain your septic system could result in an overflow.

Pump Your Tank

Pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years, or as often as your septic tank professional recommends. The frequency with which you pump your tank should be based on the size of your tank and the number of people in your household.

Only Flush Water, Toilet Paper, and Human Waste

Never flush anything down your septic tank that isn't human waste, water, or toilet paper. Be cautious of flushing any product that says it is flushable, such as disposable wipes. These items can clog your septic system. Avoid using a garbage disposal system as well: these systems send tiny particles into the septic tank that can clog the drain field.  

Watch for Signs of Septic System Trouble

Know the signs that your septic system is overflowing. If your septic system does show signs of overflow, contact a septic system contractor as soon as possible. Warning signs to watch for include:

• Strange odor in the yard

• Extra green grass over the drain field

• Standing water on the grass over the drain field

Describe what's happening to the septic tank professional, so they'll know you're having an emergency and can react accordingly.

Work with an Experienced Septic System Contractor

If you're a homeowner, work with an experienced septic tank professional to protect your property and drinking water. For more information about how you can protect your well from your septic tank, contact Pete's Outflow Technicians. We're happy to answer your questions.