Septic System Maintenance

Malibu properties are on onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS, aka septic systems), and are among the nearly one-quarter of all American households that depend on septic systems to treat their wastewater. Septic systems need proper maintenance to prevent back-ups and overflows that can lead to costly repairs for property owners and pollution of sensitive waterways, watersheds, and groundwater.


Septic Smart Week in September

The City participates in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Septic Smart Week. Do Your Part - Be Septic Smart! Download the infographic.

septic maintenance
  1. Protect it and Inspect it
  2. think at the sink
  3. don't overload the commode

Homeowners should generally have their system inspected every 3-5 years by a City of Malibu Registered OWTS Inspector, and have their tank pumped when necessary, typically every three to five years. Many septic system failures occur during the winter holiday season. Therefore, EPA encourages homeowners to get their septic systems inspected and serviced now before licensed inspectors’ schedules fill up around the holidays.  

  1. Don’t Strain Your Drain
  2. shield your field

Be water-efficient and spread out water use. Fix plumbing leaks and install faucet aerators and water-efficient products. Spread out laundry and dishwasher loads throughout the day - too much water at once can overload a system that has not been recently pumped.