2019 Spring Home & Garden

PAGE 20 2019 SPRING HOME & GARDEN LINCOLN DAILY NEWS MAY 2, 2019 that will extend the life of the septic system: • Practice water conservation • Flush only toilet paper • Don’t poison your septic tank with cleaners, cooking oil or grease, wipes or diapers, feminine products, pharmaceuticals, or solvents. • Don’t use harsh chemicals or bleach • It’s best not to have a garbage disposal, but if you do don’t put egg shells, tea bags, or other solids in the disposal. • Pump septic tank when needed. Keep accurate records. Failing septic systems are costly to repair and expensive to replace. Care of your system will insure the health of your family. Improper treatment of wastewater released into the environment can impose serious risk to your family and the community at large, contaminating nearby wells. For these reasons, it is important for a homeowner to take proper care of the septic system. Household Tips for Septic System Owners In most states the local health department regulates the septic systems according to state laws. In Logan County, a homeowner must have a valid permit issued by the Department of Public Health before installing a septic tank. The permit will be kept on file at the Logan County Clerk’s office. Most homeowners should seek the expertise of a Sewage Disposal System Installation Contractor to install a septic tank on their property. It is important for the Department of Public Health to have an accurate drawing of the property including surrounding buildings, property lines, slope of the land, possible sources of ground water contamination, proposed system, and measurements for all setbacks. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to perform regular maintenance and inspections. This information should be reported to the DPH, along with any results of soil testing or plat reviews as requested. Fines will be issued for any person not willing to comply with the rules and standards set forth by the Department of Public Health. There is no one-size-fits-all septic system. So, if you are moving to rural community be sure to get records from the homeowner selling the property, check with the local health department for the area’s rules, and ask questions of professionals. It is important for a potential homeowner to have the facts about the septic system and know how to properly care for such an important part of your home.