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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
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.
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See how a septic systems works!
See how a septic tank works!
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