Down the drain: good septic system practices

By Vicki Browne
Iron County Lakes & Streams Partnership
IRON COUNTY — Data from Michigan State University Extension indicates that there are 1.3 million septic systems in use in Michigan. The 2020 U.S. Census listed 3.98 million households in Michigan, meaning close to one-third of Michigan households are on a septic system. Given that the U.P. is a remote, it’s likely the proportion here is even higher.
When wastewater from sinks, tubs, toilets and washing machines gets filtered at home, it’s worth knowing something about how the system works and what best practices might be.
A conventional septic system has two components: a septic tank and a drainfield. The septic tank is a large, buried container often made of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene. Anything that goes down the drain goes into the tank first. Solids sink to the bottom. Fats and scum rise to the top. Wastewater, called effluent, flows out of the tank into the drainfield. 
A typical drain field consists of perforated pipes surrounded by clean gravel. When the gravel and underlying soil are dry enough and there is sufficient oxygen available, the wastewater is filtered as it percolates through the field.
Some septic tanks can last up to 50 years. A well maintained drain field has a 20-30 year lifespan.
Although the oldest septic systems in the county may have been installed without permits and some do not have drainfields, all new systems must be permitted and inspected. The guidelines, first published in March 1998 and last updated in January 2011, are readily available from the Dickinson-Iron District Health Department.
MSU Extension published an article entitled “Being ‘SepticSmart’ ensures the health of your family, lake and waterfront investment” in September 2020 with catchy phrases for remembering good septic system habits:
• “Shield your field”: Direct downspouts and water away from the drainfield. Don’t park your car or drive heavy equipment over this area; this protects the soil from compaction. Don’t plant trees, shrubs or plants that have deep roots over or near the drainfield area to avoid damage from root growth.
• “Don’t overload the commode”: Don’t flush cat litter, diapers, personal care or feminine hygiene products even if they say they are flushable and/or septic safe. These items cannot be properly broken down by a septic system.
• “Think at the sink”: A septic system is not designed to break down food waste, so avoid using a garbage disposal. Keep fats, oils and greases out of the drain to prevent clogs and damage in the system. Carefully select the cleaning products, soaps and detergents you use as they can kill the ‘good’ bacteria and microbes in the tank. No bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaners, medications, paints or pesticides should go down the drain. Instead, clear clogs with a drain snake and hot water.
• “Don’t strain your drain”: Use the least amount of water to get the job done so you don’t overwhelm your septic system. Space out laundry, dishwasher cycles and showers. Repair leaky faucets and toilets.
Also included were recommendations for upkeep and maintenance. Every septic tank will need to be pumped out periodically. 
“Systems operate more effectively when the tank is no more than one-third full of solids,” the MSU Extension article reads. 
Depending on household size and whether the system is in use daily or seasonally, that could mean pumping out the tank every three to five years. Sometimes the professional who pumps out the tank can determine whether the septic system is in good working order. Otherwise, the health department can recommend a licensed inspector.
A septic system in distress usually gives homeowners some signals. A backup of wastewater into the house or bright green, spongy grass on the drainfield are obvious indications that something is wrong. Slow sink drains, gurgling pipes, algal blooms in nearby water bodies, or puddling on the drainfield are more subtle signs of a potential problem.
For information about funding assistance for septic system repairs, visit epa.gov/septic/funding-septic-systems or Michigan’s Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program website via rd.usda.gov.