Question 1

How often does my septic tank need to be pumped?

Accepted Answer

Depending upon household size and usage, most septic tanks need to be pumped every 3 - 5 years. If you have a smaller household size, you likely can wait longer to pump your septic tank. Please feel free to call us at 406-442-1430 if you have any questions about your septic needs.

Question 2

How often should my septic tank filter be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that septic tank filters (aka effluent filters) be cleaned out every 6 months, or twice a year.

Question 3

What items should NOT be flushed down my septic system?

Accepted Answer

- Cooking grease or oil
- Non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene products
- Condoms
- Dental floss
- Diapers
- Cigarette butts
- Coffee grounds
- Cat litter
- Paper towels
- Pharmaceuticals
- Household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Question 4

What are some best practices for maintaining my drain field?

Accepted Answer

Your drainfield—a component of your septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank—is an important part of your septic system. Here are a few things you should do to maintain it:
 
- Parking: Never park or drive on your drainfield.
 
- Planting: Plant trees the appropriate distance from your drainfield to keep roots from growing into your septic system. We can advise you of the proper distance, depending on your septic tank and landscape.
 
- Placing: Keep roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainwater drainage systems away from your drainfield area. Excess water slows down or stops the wastewater treatment process.

Question 5

What is the Lewis & Clark County Septic System Maintenance Program?

Accepted Answer

The Lewis & Clark County Septic Maintenance Program was established by the City-County Board of Health in 2011 in an effort to collaborate with septic system owners to help maintain their systems and protect public health.
 
When you regularly monitor the operation and maintenance of your septic system through this program, you:
 
- help to protect your family and neighbors from diseases transmitted through wastewater;
protect the quality of groundwater used for drinking and irrigating;
 
- extend the life of your septic system;
 
- help to avoid costly repairs; and
 
- meet local regulations.
 
See the county website for more information here.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does my septic tank need to be pumped?

How often should my septic tank filter be cleaned?

What items should NOT be flushed down my septic system?

What are some best practices for maintaining my drain field?

What is the Lewis &amp; Clark County Septic System Maintenance Program?

What is the Lewis & Clark County Septic System Maintenance Program?