We depend on our vehicles to get us from place to place, so regular maintenance is a top priority. The same concept applies to scheduling annual service checks on air conditioning or heating systems. But septic systems, which are underground and hidden from view, often go unnoticed until it’s too late and a homeowner is faced with making an urgent and costly fix.
The NPCA Water and Wastewater Committee believes homeowner septic system education is important and has developed a guide NPCA members can distribute to customers. This guide is specific to precast concrete septic tanks, but addresses general topics related to on-site wastewater treatment.
The NPCA On-Site Wastewater Homeowners Manual contains diagrams and information that explain how a septic tank works, protection tips and a list of frequently asked questions. Also enclosed inside is a maintenance record sheet and a place to diagram the location of the tank and drain field.
On-site wastewater associations and agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency, have been trying to train and educate homeowners about how to properly care for their systems. Their training efforts include what not to put down the drain, since many cleaning or cooking products can clog filters and inhibit separation in the tank. Many resources are available for homeowners on EPA’s website. In addition, county and state health or environmental departments have homeowner information brochures available on septic system maintenance and care.
The committee’s hope is NPCA members who manufacture septic tanks and components will distribute this guide to contractors and homeowners with their contact information and/or logo. It’s another way to bring awareness that NPCA members are the go-to resource for septic tanks.
Printed manuals may be ordered on the NPCA Shop. You can also request a file with printing and folding instructions by contacting Deborah Templeton.
For more information, contact Kayla Hanson, P.E., NPCA technical services engineer.
How is the longevity of using septic tanks in concrete?
Thank you for the comment Nam. There are many factors that can affect the lifetime of a concrete septic tank, including casting, the type of soil used and how the waste is managed. Proper care and maintenance are also important for keeping a septic tank functioning properly. To receive more information about a specific product, I recommend visiting our “Find Precast Products & Supplies” online search feature to contact a precast manufacturer near your location. If you have any other questions regarding concrete septic tanks, please let me know.
Thanks for your comment about how septic tanks need to be protected. I like how you said that they need to have maintenance provided to the drains as well. If someone was looking into septic tank services, I would assume that they would consider this post.
Environmental Protection Agency’s trying to train and educate homeowners about how to properly care for their systems is really appreciative. It was really needed.
Thank you so much for this information, it will helps me a lot.
If I were to have my spetic tank cleaned and free from clogs, I would make sure to hire a service that may do this. Thank you for sharing that regular maintenance is a must. I also agree with you that avoid flushing down those harmful chemicals.