Septic System Resources
For many Arkansans and Missourians, their wastewater is managed on their land with a septic system, rather than having a municipal sewer connection. It’s important to know whether your home is on a septic system, understand proper maintenance, and recognize signs of failure to help prevent costly repairs and environmental hazards.
This guide provides information to determine if you have a septic system, tips to maintain it effectively, and how to identify potential issues before they become major problems.
Resources are included for residents seeking more information.
How Does a Septic System Work?
Septic systems use natural processes to treat wastewater. Wastewater flows out of the home and into the septic tank. Solids sink to the bottom, and grease, fats, and other scum float to the top. Bacteria and other microorganisms feed on these materials to break them down. Next, the partially treated, liquid portion of the wastewater flows out of the tank and into the drainfield.
The drainfield is made up of rows of shallowly buried, narrow pipes with holes, or lateral lines. The wastewater flows through these lateral lines to disperse slowly and evenly across a drainage field. This allows the soil to naturally filter out any remaining pollutants before the water seeps back into groundwater. When functioning properly, septic systems can be highly efficient solutions for managing household waste.
Am I On Septic?
Your home likely uses a septic system if:
You are on well water
You do not receive a monthly sewer bill
Your home doesn’t have a water meter
Your neighbors have a septic system
You live in a rural area
How to find your septic system:
Look for septic tank lids or cleanout pipes in your yard, often near the home’s foundation.
Check property records, such as your home’s deed, or request “as built” drawings from your county health department
Ask the seller or realtor
Consult a licensed plumber or septic service provider to locate the system
Septic Tank Maintenance
Proper maintenance of your septic system is critical to prevent backups, groundwater contamination, and expensive repairs.
- Pump your septic tank every three to five years, depending on household size, water usage, and the tank’s capacity.
- Conserve water to prevent overloading the system. Fixing leaks, using high-efficiency appliances, and spacing out laundry or dishwasher loads can help preserve the lifespan of your septic system.
- Prevent harmful materials from going down your drain. Non-biodegradable items, grease, hazardous chemicals, medications, and excessive food waste can cause clogs and disrupt the system’s function. These items should be disposed of through the appropriate waste streams. Using septic-safe products such as biodegradable soaps, detergents, and toilet paper helps maintain a healthy bacterial balance in the tank. These bacterial are critical to system health.
- Keep the drain field clear of heavy vehicles and structures to prevent damage. Heavy structures or vehicles can compress soil and damage the lateral lines of your septic system. Mowing the area regularly can prevent deep-rooted vegetation and can aid early detection of potential leaks or failures.
- Avoid planting trees or shrubs over the drainfield. Deep-rooted or woody vegetation can damage your lateral lines and drain field. Grasses, herbaceous plants, and shallow-rooted vegetation is best.
Signs of a Failing Septic System
There are common warning signs of septic system failure:
- Slow drains
- Drain backups in sinks, toilets, or showers
- Gurgling noises while using water
- Strong sewage odors inside or outside the home can suggest a full or malfunctioning system
- Standing pools of water in your yard near the tank or drainfield
- Unusually lush, green grass around the drain field may signal a blockage or failure
- For those relying on well water, regular testing for high nitrate levels can help identify contamination from a failing septic system
My Septic System is Failing - What Now?
- Reduce water use in your home to ease the burden on the system
- Check if your tank has been pumped out in the last 3-5 years. If it hasn’t, there may be a simple fix to restore a functioning system.
- Check for blockages in drains and pipes; this may help identify minor issues before they escalate.
- If standing water or soggy ground is present near the drain field, keep people and pets away from the affected area until the source of the issue is determined.
- Contact your local health department’s Environmental Specialist to have your system declared as failing.
- Contact a licensed septic service provider to seek guidance on necessary repairs, BUT FIRST:
- See if you are located in one of H2Ozarks’ program areas and are eligible for a grant to help replace your failing septic system.
Septic Grant Programs
The ADH Onsite Wastewater program provides guidance on septic regulations, maintenance, and permits. You can also find resources such as septic designers, installers, and tank pumpers. Visit their Onsite Wastewater page.
Need professional help? There are many licensed providers that offer installation, maintenance, and repair services in Northwest Arkansas. Visit the ADH Onsite Wastewater Licensees page to find services near you.
Residents may be able to find their property’s septic permit records online.
Benton county residents:
Locate permits online through the Benton County GIS basemap.
Other Arkansas counties:
You may be able to find permits online at Act Data Scout. A step-by-step guide for locating septic permits on this website can be found on Youtube here.
If you are unable to locate your permit online, reach out to your county’s health department or ADH.
The MDH Onsite Wastewater program provides guidance on septic regulations, maintenance, and permits. You can also find resources such as septic designers, installers, and tank pumpers. Visit their Onsite Wastewater page.
There are many licensed providers that offer installation, maintenance, and repair services in Missouri. Visit their Onsite Wastewater Licensees page to find services near you.
Residents may be able to find their property’s septic permit records online. Permits for Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (OWTS), or septic systems, are managed by different authorities, but your local health department is a good place to start.
Find your local public health agency online through the MDH Directory.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has many helpful articles about septic systems:
The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) is the largest organization in the U.S. representing onsite and decentralized wastewater industry (which incluces septic systems). There is a free course for homeowners on their website to learn about OWTS and how to maintain them.
NOWRA Free Online Septic System Education Course for Homeowners.
Missouri Smallflows Organization (MSO) is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening Missouri’s onsite wastewater industry through continuing education, industry collaboration, and advocacy for industry professionals.
They have a page dedicated to Homeowner Septic Resources on their website.
H2Ozarks offers septic tank grant programs to assist homeowners in specific watersheds in Northern Arkansas and Southwest Missouri who have failing septic systems. For more information, visit our Septic Program page, or email septic@h2ozarks.org.