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Inspecting and Maintaining Your System
Conduct regular checks and maintenance
Most systems should be checked annually. With simpler systems, you might opt
do this yourself. For more complex systems it is best to hire a pro. Proprietary
systems like ATUs usually require all maintenance is done by one of their
licensed representatives.
Having your tanks pumped is not a complete maintenance inspection. Your entire
system needs to be looked at. With more complicated systems, this takes time
and expertise. Even with a gravity system you can't just 'flush and forget'. See
Section 3 for more information on maintenance frequencies for different types of
systems.
Hire a pro
It is important to ensure that the system is set up and functioning correctly from
day one. Nobody is perfect – things could have been wrong with the design,
installation, final landscaping, electrical hookups, initial use of the system, etc.
That's why it is a good idea to have the system inspected initially by a
knowledgeable, licensed, Operation and Maintenance (O&M) provider. They can
identify and help correct problems before they damage the system.
Your pumper may or may not be a certified O&M provider, so check to be sure.
The county maintains a list of currently licensed providers – contact them for a
copy.
Look at the whole thing
When your system is checked, it is important that the entire system is looked at –
from the source plumbing coming from the house to the last line on the drainfield.
If you are doing the checking yourself, see Section 3 for on checking different
components.
First you need to know what components make up your system, so start with
page 1 of this manual to see a checklist of your specific system and components.
Then read the pages shown. Do you have a solids pump basin? Is your drainfield
a gravity distribution, pressure distribution, or a high-tech drip system? Do you
have a recirculating filter or ATU? Get your design and 'as-built' drawing and find
out. Then go out in the yard and look at it.
Special systems – special requirements
Some systems are proprietary and have their own maintenance schedules and
agreements, etc. These are between you and the manufacturer of the
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