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Septic Maintenance in DeSoto County
On DeSoto County's loess, the topsoil does the treating. Protecting that thin working layer is most of what maintenance means here.
Protect the soil over the field
Above the fragipan, the loess is the part of the ground that actually absorbs and treats effluent. It is also easily compacted and easily washed away. So:
- keep cars, trailers and equipment off the field;
- keep a healthy grass cover and fix bare or eroding patches quickly;
- never strip or regrade soil over the field when landscaping;
- direct gutters and driveway runoff away from it.
Keep the tank doing its job
Have the tank pumped about every three to five years, based on the household and measured levels, by an MSDH-certified pumper. Keep grease, wipes and chemicals out of the drains, and spread laundry through the week rather than doing it all on a Saturday.
Advanced treatment units
Many newer DeSoto County homes have advanced treatment units because of shallow fragipan or small lots. Mississippi expects these systems to be maintained to the certified manufacturer's requirements. That generally means routine servicing, a working alarm and keeping the unit switched on. Keep every service report, because buyers and MSDH may ask for them.
A simple yearly calendar
| Month | Task |
|---|---|
| January to March | Watch for wet spots during the rainy season and limit heavy water use |
| April | Check grass cover and erosion over the field |
| Summer | Book pumping or servicing if due, while the ground is dry |
| Autumn | Clear leaves from around lids and vents; test any alarm |
After a flood
If floodwater covered the field or tank, do not resume normal use until the water has receded and the system has been checked. Our flood guide explains what to look for.
Maintenance questions in DeSoto County
What maintenance does Mississippi require for septic systems?
Owners are expected to keep systems working and, for advanced treatment units, maintained to the certified manufacturer's requirements. Regular pumping and servicing are the practical core of that.
How do I protect my drainfield in loess soil?
Keep vehicles off it, maintain grass cover, control erosion and keep extra water away from it.
How often should my DeSoto County tank be pumped?
Commonly every three to five years, sooner for large households or homes with a garbage disposal.
My treatment unit alarm is going off. What should I do?
Cut back water use and call a service provider. The alarm usually means a pump or aerator problem or a high water level in the unit.
A licensed site evaluator has to answer that with a soil test; nobody can tell from a map. Send us your address and we will pass it to a licensed local professional where one is available. Request a quote →
Around DeSoto County
- Eudora: Rural northwest corner, large tracts, private wells common.
- Love: Rural southeast. Loess ridges and long driveways.
- Hernando: The county seat. Sewered in the centre, on-site once you are out on the acreage.
Underneath most of it: silt that stands up dry and slumps wet. What that means for a system.