What you need to know if you have a septic system
Septic systems can provide safe, environmentally-sound treatment of your home's wastewater. However, living with a septic system requires a little more responsibility than being connected to a city sewer. 
 

		How a septic system works  If you are like most homeowners, you probably don’t want to know any more about your septic system than you have to. But it is a good idea to have a rough idea about the components of the system and the function of each component.
		Maintaining a septic system Your septic system requires regular (although infrequent) maintenance in order to function properly. The maintenance of your septic system is not complicated -- your major responsibility is to have the tank inspected and pumped every 3 to 5 years. Salesmen, advertisements, and rumors may try to convince you that you need to add their products to the septic system. They may also tell you that adding products can replace pumping out the septic tank. Neither of these is true.
		Protecting drinking water Most homes with septic systems also have private wells. Your septic system must be a safe distance from your drinking water well so that the wastewater does not contaminate the well.