Controlling Pollution at the source ... Naturally

Most septic systems will fail eventually.  If properly maintained, most systems have a useful life of 20-30 years, under the best conditions.  Eventually, the soil in the leaching facility becomes clogged with organic materials, making the system unusable.

By far the most common reason for early failure is improper maintenance by homeowners.  When  a system is poorly maintained - not pumped out on a regular basis - solids build up in the tank, then flow into the leaching field clogging it beyond repair.  The use of chemical or enzyme additive is not a substitute for regular pumping.  It is essential that septic systems be pumped every 2 to 3 years, depending on size and use.

95% of leach field failures are caused from fats, oil, and grease.  The soil in the leaching facility becomes clogged with organic material making the system unusable.   Microbes eat the clogged organic matter thus restoring the field to its original state.  Many other factors can cause the system to fail before the end of its "natural" lifetime.  Pipes blocked by roots, soil saturated by high water tables, crushed distribution pipes, improper location, exceeding design capacity, poor original design or poor installation can all lead to major problems,