Maintaining Your Septic System

Westchester County Septic System Rehabilitation & Sewer Connection Program The goal of the Septic System Rehabilitation and Sewer Connection Program is to reduce the potential health and environmental impacts that may arise from failing septic systems and the associated discharge of sewage effluent into the Croton and Kensico watersheds, also known as the NYC watershed. This shall be accomplished by providing financial assistance to income eligible commercial and non-commercial property owners who have an on-site septic system in the watershed and meet one of the following two criteria: 1) a property line within 100 feet of a sewer line, 2) with a failing septic system for which there is no available sewer line within 100 feet from the property line for three (3) years from the year the application is submitted. Read More

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Beginning on May 1, 2011, the owner of any parcel located within the Town of Yorktown which relies upon a Separate Sewage Disposal System/On-site Wastewater Treatment System (a septic system) must have the system inspected once every five (5) years.

An inspection shall mean the evacuation and removal of septage from a Separate Sewage Disposal System/On-site Wastewater Treatment System (have your septic pumped) and subsequent reporting by a Septage Collector that is licensed by the Westchester County Department of Health.

Why is it necessary to have your septic pumped?
Properly designed, constructed, and maintained septic systems can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. Poor septic system maintenance may cause the need for the entire system to be replaced, costing you thousands of dollars. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.

What are the signs of septic system failure?
Septic system failure can be noted by these signs:

Slow drainage or sewage backup in drains or toilets.
Excessively lush grass growth in the system area, even during dry weather.
Unpleasant odor in the system area.
Excessive growth of aquatic weeds or algae in nearby lakes and ponds.
A slow moving stream near septic leaching areas.

What can you do to limit contamination by septic systems?
Following are some precautions to take to maintain a septic system:

Pump out the septic tank often - usually every one to 3 years so solids do not build up and flow into the leaching system. Depending on your location, this might be needed annually. If you don't, having the leaching field dug up and reinstalled can be very costly.
Watch what goes down the drain - the use of a garbage grinder will put 50% more solids into the system. Grease or oil can clog all parts of the system - the pipes, septic tank and leaching system.
Dispose of household chemicals properly - at the next household hazardous waste collection day in your community (See the Department of Environmental Facilities website for scheduled cleanup days at http://environment.westchestergov.com or call the household Chemical Info-Line at 637-3037).
Conserve water - by installing low-flow plumbing fixtures and adopting more conservative water use practices. This can extend the life of the system, delay the need for repair and lessen the likelihood of contaminating local surface and ground waters. It can also save repair costs on your water system.

How do I maintain my septic system?
Below are several resources that will help you learn more about your septic system and how to maintain it properly.

A Homeowner's Guides to Septic Systems This guide will help you care for your septic system. It will help you understand how your system works and what steps you can take as a homeowner to ensure your system will work properly. To help you learn more, consult the resources listed at the back of this booklet. A helpful checklist is also included at the end of the booklet to help you keep track of your septic system maintenance.
Homeowner's Septic Checklist (U.S. EPA, 2002) Maintaining Your Septic System - A Guide for Homeowners (NSFC, 2004)
Septic Tank Pump-Out or Inspection Never done this before? That's okay! Whether you are having your septic system pumped or choose to have an inspection, the following information sheets will help you to know what to expect, what to lookout for, and the warning signs of possible issues. Important note: Your hauler must complete a form after your septic is pumped out. Retain a copy of this form for your records as proof of when your system was pumped.
Sample Blank Form What to Expect During A Septic Tank Pump-Out (URI Cooperative Extension) What to Expect During A Septic Maintenance Inspection (URI Cooperative Extension)
Septic System Maintenance Reimbursement In Yorktown, property owners in the Peekskill Sewer District who have been paying sewer taxes but have a septic system can be reimbursed for septic system maintenance. The reimbursement covers septic system work performed from Sept. 3, 2008 until Sept. 2, 2014. Property owners can receive up to $300 every three years for a pump-out of a septic tank and up to $275 every six years for a septic system inspection. The inspection and pump-out can be done at the same time.
Brochure with Application Form Westchester County Environmental Facilities Website
Installing a New Septic System Poor design or improper installation could lead to costly problems in the future. Make sure your new septic system is installed properly by reading this quick guide from the National Environmental Services Center. Quality Control for Homeowners (NESC, 2007)

Maintaining Your Septic System

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