Just the idea of septic systems makes some home buyers shudder. But these individual sewage treatment systems can be just as good as any municipal treatment plants -- perhaps even better if they're properly maintained, says Minnesota Extension Service Educator Ken Olson of Sherburne County.

The key is education.

Even those who've lived in the country all their lives haven't had Septic 101. There is this myth that they know how these systems work and how to care for them, but really few people do.

And city people who are new to septic systems tend to get worried, Olson said. His advice: Learn what to do. After all, proper treatment of wastewater is essential to reducing health risks to your family. It also prevents surface and groundwater contamination.

It's an issue that's important in Minnesota, where more than a quarter of the households statewide have septic systems. In the St. Cloud area, at least half of the households have a private sewage system, Olson said.

To promote public education to homeowners with septic systems, Olson started a pilot program in 1993. The program includes classes that are offered on request for townships, lake shore associations, Realtors, and other community organizations.

Olson also spearheaded the creation of a 24-page Septic System Owner's Guide that explains the features of a septic system, and its proper use, operation and maintenance. It also gives some advice for troubleshooting.

When it comes to proper usage, the experts say the two most important issues are:

• Monitoring water use.
• Cleaning the system regularly.

The key to water usage is cutting back. Excessive water use places an unnecessary load on a septic system, Olson said. For the most complete and uniform treatment of wastes, septic systems need adequate time to work.

The average Minnesotan uses about 110 gallons of water per day; about 60 percent is used in the bathroom. The biggest waste of water is through toilet flushing. That's why experts recommend that people with private sewage systems buy low-flow toilets, which use less than half as much water.

As for proper cleaning and maintenance, most people don't clean their systems often enough or properly, Olson said. All solids must be removed from the tank and it should be done through the manhole. Generally, a septic system should be cleaned every two years, but it depends on the size of the tank and the usage. No system should ever go more than three years without being cleaned, Olson said..

Ed Weir, Stearns County Environmental Services specialist, had another word of advice: Avoid additives. While they are marketed for people with septic systems, they can do more harm than good. There is no substitute for pumping, Weir said.

And as the old adage goes, a little prevention can avoid an expensive cure. The cost of a cleaning runs around $100; a ruined septic system from a plugged drain field can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 to replace. There also may be a problem if the homeowner does not have enough additional land to replace a failed septic system, Weir said.

Those that are properly maintained can last 25 to 40 years, whereas those that are neglected may only last five to 15 years. Like a car, septic systems are designed to go many miles, Olson said. But if you don't do routine maintenance, it won't last long.

Learn More About Septic Systems

Copies of the Minnesota Extension Service's 24-page Septic System Owner's Guide are available for $4. The 23-minute video, called Septic Systems Revealed, is $13. Or get the guide/video set for $16. All are available from any Minnesota county extension office. Or call (612) 624-4900 or (800) 876-8636.
For additional information, contact your local, township or county offices of planning and zoning, environmental health or public health, water plan coordinator, or soil and water conservation district.

This article ran in the St. Cloud Times Home & Outdoor Living section in April 1997.