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Septic System Care

epa_septic_flyer_1.jpg

  

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Why Should I CARE About Maintaining My Septic System?

 

Click play to hear a radio ad on septic systems! This Ad was played on 97.5 FM!

 

Click here to watch a video on septic systems!

The video was provided by Two Rivers Coalition! 

 

   Without regular maintenance, a septic system will fail. (It’s the homeowners’ responsibility to maintain the system!)

   Protect your drinking water and the environment. (A properly working septic will remove pollutants and disease- causing bacteria and viruses (such as E. coli).)

Save money and protect your investment in your home. (It only costs about $250 every 3 years to maintain your system, while a new system could cost thousands!)

  

 

How Can I PROPERLY MAINTAIN My System?

   The average septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a professional.

   Limit excessive water usage in your home.

   Protect your home’s drinking water for you and your family -NEVER flush hazardous materials into the system!

   Expensive additives are not necessary and they do NOT eliminate the need for pumping!

 

 

Can I Spot POTENTIAL PROBLEMS In MySeptic System?

 

·         Yes! If you see plumbing backups, sluggish drainage, or mushy ground around the drainfield, call a septic company IMMEDIATELY! (Click here for a list of licensed septic pumpers in Berrien County)

Michigan DEQ's List of Licensed Pumpers search by county!

 

Do’s and Don’ts

DO

• Learn the location of your septic tank and drain-field from your septic company.

• Have your septic system inspected every three years.

• Call a professional whenever you experience problems.

• Keep a detailed record of repairs

• Conserve water to avoid overloading the system.

• Divert sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps away from the septic system. 

 

DON’T

Go down into a septic tank EVER. Toxic gases in the tank can kill in minutes.

• Allow anyone to park or drive over the system.

• Plant anything besides grass over or near the drain-field.

• Dig in your drain-field or build anything over it.

• Make or allow repairs without obtaining the required health department permit. 

 

To print a fact sheet for your community's news letter Click Here.

 

Financial Assistance Programs

 

USDA Rural Development Flyer

Home Improvement and Repair Loans and Grants Sec. 504

USDA Website for Housing Loans & Grants

 

SMCAA Housing Information Flyer

Housing Rehabilitation & Emergency Home Repairs

 

SWCAA Weatherization Information Flyer

Michigan Assistance Program

Click here to visit SWCAA on the web 


 

More Information  

 

Septic System's A Homeowner's Guide

  

A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems

 

Click to view presentation from the Berrien County Health Dept. about septic systems!

 

Van Buren and Cass County Health Department

or call (269) 621-3143 for assistance 

 

Visit the Berrien County Health Department's website

or call (269) 927-5623 for assistance

   

Environmental Protection Agency: How to Properly Care for Your Septic System

Septic System Education: MSU Extension

   

Septic Systems: Out of Sight, Not out of Mind: MSU Video

This page last updated on 9/17/2019.

When is the last time you had your septic system pumped? Can't recall? Then it's been too long! Call today!

Maintaing your septic system benefits the entire community by giving everyone access to clean, safe water resources.

Click the billboard to become a Friend of the Galien on Facebook!

See how a septic systems works!

See how a septic tank works!

Things not to put in your septic tank!

Click to become a Friend of The Galien River on Facebook!

Learn more about how your septic system operates, why it's important to properly maintain your system, simple, every-day tips that will help you avoid costly system repairs and replacement, and more!

 
Southwest Michigan Planning Commission  
376 West Main Street  Suite 130  Benton Harbor, MI 49022-3651
Phone: 269.925.1137  Fax: 269.925.0288  
 
 
 

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