Last week we discussed how to treat your septic system with appropriate care. This week we want to discuss how to know if your system needs some attention.

Jim Tobey of the County’s Environmental Health Department says that most septic tanks need to be emptied every three to five years. But, he adds, it all depends on the system and the way it is used.

"Some don’t make it a year and others have gone 20 years without needing to be pumped."

If you have no idea whether your tank needs to be pumped, find the lid and take a peak.

If you don’t have any idea where to begin digging to find the lid, it’s possible the county may have a record or map of your septic system. If not, a septic system company may be able to help you locate it.

It’s important to know where your septic system is because you need to treat the land above it with some special considerations.

Once you locate and open the lid, take a peak inside. Your cue that it’s time to call a septic service to pump it is when the bottom of the scum layer (located at the top of the tank) is within 3 inches of the bottom of the outlet baffle. The other cue is if the top of the sludge layer (on the bottom of your tank) is within a foot of the outlet baffle.

The phone book lists many septic tank pumpers. Like so many other service businesses, it’s always best to get a referral from a friend or family member who recently was pleased with a particular business’ work.

Once the tank is thoroughly emptied, the worker should rinse the pumped tank so it can be inspected. After the condition of the tank has been determined, it should be filled with water to keep if from raising up if the groundwater level is high.

The condition of the tank should be recorded in the service report or receipt. Also, the tank size, type of construction, effluent levels, drain field condition and any abnormal findings should be noted.

In addition to pumping the system when it’s needed, you can do other things to extend your septic system’s life.

Last week we mentioned some things that should not go into a septic system, these bear repeating. Do not put the following down the toilets or sinks in your house: cigarette butts, food scraps, grease, oils, feminine products, dental floss, solvents and oil-based paints, to mention a few.

In addition, go easy on the toilet paper. And, if you’re blowing your nose, throw the facial tissues or toilet paper in the trash not down the toilet.

Another thing you should do to extend the life of your septic system is to limit the amount of water you use. The less effluent your system has to dispose of, the better.

Promptly check out any leaks in your plumbing and quickly fix dripping faucets. Take a look into low-flush toilets and low-flow showerheads. Wait to wash full loads of dishes and clothes. If you do have a small load of wash, make sure to change your load indicator on your washing machine.

The most obvious signs of a septic system failure are the horrible sewage odor and sewage surfacing in your yard. A failure can also be detected when the tank’s contents come back to greet you during a shower, or simply won’t flush away.

First, check to make sure you’re not experiencing a plumbing problem. If not, then it’s time to call the septic system experts.

Sometimes septic systems fail because they were poorly designed to begin with. Perhaps they’re not big enough, located in a bad spot or in soils unsuitable for treatment.

Other problems include folks using the drain field for a parking lot, or actually paving it over for a basketball court. Sometimes tree roots will ruin a system.

The local experts on septic systems are the folks in the Grays Harbor County Environmental Health Department. They can be reached at 249-4413.

Jim Tobey of the Environmental Health Department also recommends talking to professional septic system installers. You can find them in the phone book or from a list available at the county.

In addition, there are many informative materials available through the Washington Sea Grant Program.

They have videos on a variety of septic tank-related topics including on-site sewage systems, mound systems, sand filter systems and pressure distribution systems. Brochures and manuals include those same topics as well as on pumping your septic system and landscaping your septic system.

For these helpful brochures, manuals or videos related to various septic systems, phone (360) 427-8437 or look on the web at www.wsg.washington.edu.