Got a Septic System?
Get a $100 Service Rebate!
When was the last time you thought about your septic system? Septic systems are easy to forget when they aren’t causing problems, but regular and proper septic system maintenance can not only prevent wasting money, it can also prevent the contamination of our local waterways if a system fails. The County of San Diego’s Watershed Rebate Program is committed to keeping our waterways clean and is offering a $100 rebate to encourage residents in unincorporated areas to regularly pump their tanks and follow septic system maintenance tips to prevent failures and preserve the quality of our water.
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Septic systems treat wastewater, which includes toilet, laundry, shower/bathtub, and sink water, from your home before releasing it into the environment. If your septic system hasn’t been properly maintained, a failure can occur, costing you money and potentially impacting the quality of our water. With remote working and schooling becoming more of the norm, it’s even more important to take action to keep your system functioning properly. The following provides information on how you can help keep our San Diego waterways clean by properly maintaining your septic system.
 Graphic displaying the four components of a septic system.
Rebate Eligibility Information – The rebate program is currently limited to 200 septic pumping rebates at $100 per rebate for residents in unincorporated San Diego County. Rebates will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Residents will be required to take a brief online training and submit an application through an online portal. For more information on the program, eligibility requirements, and how to apply for the rebate, please visit the Septic Rebate Program page.
Septic System Failure Prevention Tips
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Septic Tank Maintenance – Regularly pump your tank with a licensed septic pumping professional. Consult with a professional to determine your household’s ideal pumping frequency. See our Guide to Your Septic System for additional tips to properly maintain your septic system and a pumping frequency estimate chart.
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Food Waste – Dispose of food waste in the trash or compost it. Too much food waste can prevent bacteria from breaking down solids in the septic tank, so avoid putting food waste down the sink drain whenever possible.
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Solid Materials – Throw away solid materials such as baby wipes (or wipes labeled as ‘flushable’), sanitary products, paper towels, cotton balls, or other similar products in a trash can as these do not break down in your septic system and can clog pipes. Only toilet paper should enter the septic system. See our previous bulletin on Don't Rush to Flush for more information on proper flushing do’s and don’ts.
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Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) – Take unused HHW products, such as cleaners, bleach, and medication, to your local HHW facility. Do not dump unused HHW down drains and do not use chemical additives as these can prevent the septic system from functioning properly.
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Household Water Flow -- Monitor water flow from your sinks, showers/tubs, toilets, and laundry, to prevent excessive water from pushing solids from your septic tank into the leach lines which can create blockages that cause the system to fail.
Learn more about how septic systems work, tips for proper care and maintenance, and more with this short video. For frequently asked questions or to apply for your $100 rebate, visit the Septic Rebate Program page.
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