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Septic System Care
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
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
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When is the last time you had your septic system pumped? Can't recall? Then it's been too long! Call today!
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Maintaing your septic system benefits the entire community by giving everyone access to clean, safe water resources.
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See how a septic systems works!
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See how a septic tank works!
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Things not to put in your septic tank!
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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!
Phone: 269.925.1137 Fax: 269.925.0288
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