Septic Systems
Did you know about 25 percent of the U.S. population relies on decentralized-or onsite-wastewater treatment systems? About 95 percent of the onsite wastewater disposal systems are septic systems. Proper maintenance of your septic system helps to avoid potential system problems.
If you have a technical question we can help. Call NESC toll free at (800) 624-8301 or e-mail info@mail.nesc.wvu.edu and ask for technical assistance.
Our Free Products
- What is a septic system? How do I maintain
one? -
Septic systems defined, plus what not to flush. - Part 1 -So... now you own
a septic system (pdf) -
How it works, what to put in and keep out, plus some illustrations. - Part 2 -The care and feeding
of your septic system (pdf) -
When to pump it, reducing flow, and health tips. - Part 3 -Groundwater protection
and your septic system (pdf) -
Recharge, separation distances, and contaminant information.
Our Free Downloads
- Maintaining Your Septic System: A Guide for Homeowners (pdf)- Pipeline newsletter, Fall 2004 - Proper operation and maintenance of your septic system can have a significant impact on how well it works and how long it lasts, and in most communities, septic system maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner.
- Septic Systems: A Practical Alternative for Small Communities (pdf)- Pipeline newsletter, Summer 2004 - When properly designed, installed, and maintained, septic systems can be the most cost-effective and efficient method of wastewater treatment a homeowner can choose.
- Septic Tank Inspection
Q&A (pdf)- Technical Assistance Unit (TAU), Small Flows magazine,
Winter 2004 - Inspections are a necessary part of the operation
and maintenance of a septic tank. This article provides a guide on how to get one. - Local Man with Failing Septic Gets Help (pdf)- Technical Assistance Unit (TAU), Small Flows magazine, Winter 2004 - When Dr. Todd Crocco saw wet, smelly sewage surfacing in his front yard, he knew that he definitely had a problem. He turned to the NSFC's TAU.
- Roof Drains and Septic Systems (pdf)- Technical Assistance Unit (TAU), Small Flows magazine, Fall 2004 - The local sanitarian said I couldn't tie my roof drains into my septic system? Why not? It’s just getting rid of rain water, so what would it hurt?
- Soil Evaluation Techniques Q&A (pdf)- Small Flows magazine, Summer 2002 - How is the soil on my site determined to be suitable for an onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system?
- Landscaping Septic Systems (pdf)- Small Flows magazine, Fall 2002 - This fact sheet was published by the University of Minnesota, College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences that ran in response to an NSFC technical call.
- Septic Tank Additives (pdf)- Small Flows magazine, Winter 2002 - Different types of additives are discussed as well as research.
- Why and How to Educate the Homeowner about Septic Systems (pdf)- Small Flows magazine, Winter 2002 - This fact sheet was published by the University of Minnesota, College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences that ran in response to an NSFC technical call.
EPA Free Products
- Provided by our funding sponsor, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- A Homeowner's Guide to Septic Systems (pdf) - This guide will help you care for your septic system and show you how it works. It also suggests how to maintain it and what to do if it fails.
- A Homeowner's Guide to Evaluating Service Contracts (pdf) - Produced by Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System, this guide helps you understand your system and the value of contracts.
- Septic System Demonstration Projects (Web site and pdf) -More than $35 million worth of projects in more than 25 states that demonstrate technologies, management programs, education and training programs and other activities.
- Septic System Funding (Web site and pdf) - Federal and state sources are available here.
- Septic System Guidance, Manuals and Policies (Web site and pdf) - EPA provides guidance and technical information to help communities establish comprehensive septic (onsite) management programs.
- Managing Septic Systems to Prevent Contamination of Drinking Water (pdf) - Improperly used or operated septic systems can be a significant source of ground water contamination that can lead to waterborne disease outbreaks and other adverse health effects. This fact sheet discusses ways to prevent septic systems from contaminating sources of drinking water.