Both the septic tank and the drainfield must be properly maintained. With conscientious maintenance, the system should work correctly for many years. Such maintenance begins with water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, you should establish rules for proper use and maintenance.

The suggestions outlined in the box will save you anguish and money when applied to most conventional systems. More sophisticated systems require additional maintenance, possibly at much greater cost. Also, recent rule changes now require owners of some alternative septic systems and community septic systems to hire a certified operator to maintain their systems. For more information about these requirements, contact your local health department.

When an existing septic system is repaired or replaced, the necessary soil testing must be conducted by either a Sanitarian or an independent engineer. A septic system design is developed based on the soil test data and other design criteria. A septic system permit is then issued based on the specifications shown on the plan. Unlike a septic system for new construction, exceptions to the Public Health Code may be granted to repair a septic system due to on-site limitations. In all cases the building owner must contract the services of a septic system installer currently licensed in the State of Connecticut to perform the septic system installation.