A solid relationship and good communication with a homeowner are vital to proper system operation and maintenance. Client relationships are important in any service profession, but especially in the onsite industry. Discuss water use habits and regular in-home activities with the homeowner so you have all the necessary information when you need to troubleshoot a problem. This will also help you define the terms and frequency of a maintenance agreement and avoid future surprises. 

Online resources can help ensure you ask the right questions. The University of Minnesota website includes a homeowner checklist that guides you through a series of questions about service frequency, cleaning products used in the home, and water-using appliances. A homeowner survey provides a tracking method for homeowner use patterns. 

The Consortium of Institutes for Decentralized Wastewater Treatment website offers free O&M service provider checklists to streamline maintenance visits, and homeowner guides to educate septic tank users. The forms help you determine if there are other activities going on in the house that could impact total water use or wastewater flow strength. With more people working out of their homes, these additional activities directly affect water use. 

In-home day care and other personal care businesses can dramatically increase overall water use and waste strength. A day care can increase water use in the morning and late afternoon, and increased cooking and meal preparation adds solids, fats, oils and grease to the system. Baby wipes and other wipe products can quickly plug effluent screens and septic tank outlets or clog distribution and drop boxes. If you are aware of in-home businesses, you will know what to look for when troubleshooting. It will also help you determine if a more frequent maintenance schedule is necessary. 

Increased water usage, additional solids generation and a major increase in oils from in-home businesses could contribute to system failure if the drainfield is already stressed under normal operation. These all indicate a need for more frequent maintenance. 

The more you can find out about a homeowner’s water use habits, the better service you can provide. 

About the Author

Jim Anderson is connected with the University of Minnesota onsite wastewater treatment education program, is an emeritus professor in the university’s Department of Soil Water and Climate, and education coordinator for the National Association of Wastewater Technicians. Send him questions about septic system maintenance and operation by email to kim.peterson@colepublishing.com.