Septic systems are affordable, easy to maintain and environmentally friendly. Maintaining a properly cared for septic system will include pumping and proper disposal of the waste, protects you from a malfunctioning septic system which is unpleasant, dangerous and expensive. The following information will help you to understand your system, prevent problems and help you protect your investment. The purpose of a septic system is to treat household wastes: body waste, kitchen waste, laundry and bath water. The minimal use of bleaches, detergents and soaps do not harm the system. As waste enters the tank, solids settle to the bottom, where natural occurring bacterial processes reduce the solids. Liquid wastes and scum rise to the top of the tank, where a baffle or outlet filter retains the scum. Liquids flow to the distribution system and then are absorbed and treated by the soil. The main purpose of regular service is to remove the solids from the bottom of the tank and the scum from the top before they reduce the effect liquid layer in between. If the solids and scum are not removed regularly they effectively reduce the size of the tank and the tank will not accommodate the waste received in a given time and it will overload; forcing solids from the tank into the drainage system. The combined sludge and scum should never be greater than on-third the tank volume. To operate properly, a septic tank must be designed and constructed to suit the individual needs of the homeowner. Local and state plumbing codes dictate the size and design according to the house size. Your system may consist of one, two or more septic tanks, possibly followed by a lift pump tank. All of the tanks should be cleaned during the routine maintenance. The cleaning must be done through the manhole cover (approx. 24” diameter) and not through the small inspection pipe. If your septic system was installed after mid year 2000, you will have a filter device in place of a conventional outlet baffle. This filter should be checked approximately three to six months after your system is installed and a cleaning schedule should be developed based upon your household size and/or usage. Filters may also be located in the pump chamber or in line outside the septic tank. During the servicing/cleaning of your septic system the waste from your tank will be removed, after which it may be taken to a municipal treatment facility or it might be land applied according to DNR rules. (NR113) Have your system cleaned and checked on a regular basis, generally every two to three years and more often if you have a large family and or use a garbage disposal. Walworth County and the State of Wisconsin mandates inspection / pumping every three years.