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Mechanical Components The septic system includes a variety of mechanical and electrical components such as a pump, valves and float switches. These components should be inspected on a periodic basis by the homeowner to confirm their continued appropriate operation. Should a system component be found to be operating in a detrimental fashion, the designer or an appropriately licensed contractor should be notified immediately. Dosing System The distribution laterals, located in the disposal trenches, should be flushed once every two years to remove accumulated debris. This task may be accomplished simply by removing the caps from one of the risers, located at the end of the disposal trench, and cycling the pump for a short period of time. This procedure will allow any debris to flow out of the end of the lateral. By removing each of the riser caps in turn, all of the laterals can be cleaned. The effluent being purged from the system should be collected in an appropriate manner and deposited into the primary side of the septic tank. Inspection Pipe and Monitoring Well Observations The system's monitoring wells (two wells, located downslope from the disposal field) and inspection pipes (located within each of the disposal trenches) should be inspected at least twice per year by the homeowner, once during February or March and once during August or September. During each inspection the date and depth to water should be noted. Signs of septic system failure include discharge of sewage to the ground surface and saturated upper soils horizons during periods of dry weather. If the system is clearly failing, the designer and the local Building Department should be notified immediately. Water levels in the inspection pipes or monitoring wells which are very near the ground surface may indicate potential problems, but do not alone constitute failure. In such cases, the system should be monitored more frequently for clear signs of failure, perhaps once per week, until a clear pattern is developed. Site Improvement Restrictions The following are some common site improvements which may have a potentially negative impact on the proper operation of the septic system (tank and disposal field): • Any grading within the area containing the septic system, or the area downslope of the disposal field; • Operating or parking vehicles and/or heavy equipment on any portion of the septic system;