{"id":5277,"date":"2021-08-05T13:26:43","date_gmt":"2021-08-05T17:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt-draft\/?page_id=5277"},"modified":"2021-09-21T08:45:28","modified_gmt":"2021-09-21T12:45:28","slug":"maintaining-septic-systems","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/homeowners\/maintaining-septic-systems\/","title":{"rendered":"Maintaining Septic Systems"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Proper use and maintenance is critical to protecting your septic system&#8217;s function and longevity. Abusing your system by rinsing and flushing materials and substances that your system isn&#8217;t designed to handle can damage your system. Investing in regular maintenance from qualified service providers can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and prevent unexpected costly repairs and replacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">You can protect your septic system by following these quick tips provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)<a href=\"\"><\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"796\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-do_your_part_septicsmart_Infographic-pdf-1024x796.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Do your part be septic smart infographic showing tips for maintaing a system\" class=\"wp-image-5483\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Think at the Sink!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn what not to put down your kitchen sink (such as fats, oils, or greases), how to properly dispose of food waste, and how to use cleaning supplies in moderation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Septic Smart Think at the sink infographic\" class=\"wp-image-5488\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-think_at_the_sink_2018-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtube-com\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=fIWoB2QtBvY\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Think At The Sink!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/fIWoB2QtBvY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t Strain Your Drain!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about the importance of using water efficiently, staggering water use of water based appliances, and using energy efficient appliances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Don't strain your drain infographic\" class=\"wp-image-5492\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1-293x300.jpg 293w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1-768x786.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1-364x373.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_strain_your_drain_2018-1000x1000-1-500x512.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/om4mwk5VGN0\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Don&#039;t Strain Your Drain!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/om4mwk5VGN0?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don&#8217;t Overload the Commode!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about what can be flushed down the toilet, and what should be thrown in the trash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Don't overload the commode infographic\" class=\"wp-image-5493\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-dont_overload_the_commode_2018-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/mcYAubOSEvc\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Don&#039;t Overload Your Commode!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/mcYAubOSEvc?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Shield Your Field!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about your septic system\u2019s drainfield, including how it works, and tips to take care of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"1000\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Shield your Field infographic\" class=\"wp-image-5494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1-364x364.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-shield_your_field_2018-1000x1000-1-500x500.jpg 500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Q4bTQ0PQiJA\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Shield Your Field!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Q4bTQ0PQiJA?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep It Clean!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about the importance of testing your well water, and its relationship to your septic system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"987\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-987x1024.jpg\" alt=\"USEPA Keep it Clean infographic\" class=\"wp-image-5497\" srcset=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-987x1024.jpg 987w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-289x300.jpg 289w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-768x796.jpg 768w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-364x377.jpg 364w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1-500x519.jpg 500w, https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2062\/USEPA-keep_it_clean_2018-1000x1000-1.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 987px) 100vw, 987px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/Tz6wx8kmr_A\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Keep It Clean!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Tz6wx8kmr_A?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Regular preventative maintenance can keep your system at peak function for a long time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pump Your Tank!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about a typical septic tank pump-out service, and how a septic tank works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/-nXw5wsRJxY\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Pump Your Tank!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/-nXw5wsRJxY?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Protect It and Inspect It!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about a typical septic system inspection, how often an inspection should be performed, and considerations for advanced systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"oembed oembed-youtu-be\" style=\"\" data-url=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/4eyrh4zY4ok\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Protect It and Inspect It!\" width=\"1000\" height=\"563\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4eyrh4zY4ok?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Have questions related to septic system maintenance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/homeowners\/resources\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5279\">collection of factsheets and other resources<\/a> page<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn more about how septic systems work<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read <a href=\"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/homeowners\/finding-a-professional\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"5280\">our advice on how to hire a wastewater professional<\/a> to inspect, pump or maintain an existing system. We also describe how to go about finding a professional to design and\/or install a new system or repair\/replace an existing system. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Proper use and maintenance is critical to protecting your septic system&#8217;s function and longevity. Abusing your system by rinsing and flushing materials and substances that your system isn&#8217;t designed to handle can damage your system. Investing in regular maintenance from qualified service providers can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, and prevent [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4295,"featured_media":0,"parent":5197,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-5277","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5277","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4295"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5277"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5277\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5517,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5277\/revisions\/5517"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/web.uri.edu\/owt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5277"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}