Direct all wastewater from your home into the septic tank. These waters can contain disease-causing microorganisms or pollutants.
Repair leaky faucets and toilets. One leaky facet can waste as much as 700 gallons of water a year.
Use low-flow fixtures, such as faucet aerators and install water saving toilets. Older toilets use 5 to 6 gallons per flush. Water savers use 1.6 gallons or less.
Reduce water usage from showers and bath. This can be done by installing shower-heads with flow restrictors, taking shorter showers or bathing in less water.
Reduce water usage at sinks; you can partially close the supply line valve under the sink.
Control the use of water.
Educate your family on proper use of the system.
Spread out your laundry over several days to give the septic system more time to digest the water. Using full loads each instant.
Run dishwashers and clothes washers only when full, and use the cycle with the lowest number of rinses.
Use baking soda to clean toilets, and boiling water and/or a mechanical drain snake to clear clogged drains.
Use non-phosphate laundry detergents.
Have your septic system inspected every two to three years by a wastewater specialist.
Have your septic tank pumped out every two to three years by a company offering offers pumping and disposal of wastewater.
Keep a detailed record of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.
Learn the location of your septic tank and drain field. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance records.
Keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping. Install manholes or risers if necessary.
Allow only grass to grow on top of the tank and leaching field.
Ensure that there is a vegetated buffer (grass, trees and shrubs) between your leaching field and a lake or stream. They will suck up excess nutrients, help retain water, and prevent erosion.
Keep roof drains, surface water from driveways, basement sump pump drains, and other drainage systems away from the leaching field.
If your system has a flow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. This can add years to the life of your system.
Dont's
DON'T flush even small amounts of paint, solvent, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, or oils down the drain or toilet. These chemicals can destroy the bacteria that break down solids in the septic tank, and pollute groundwater.
DON'T use large amounts of laundry soap, detergents, bleaches, toilet bowl cleaners and caustic drain cleaners. Recommended quantities should not adversely affect the system.
DON'T use chemical compounds such as caustic soda and other septic tank cleaners. These can break down sludge, which can then flow into your leaching field, decreasing the life of the field.
DON'T use liquid drain openers. A one ounce dose can kill all of the bacteria in a 1000 gallon septic tank.
DON'T discharge salt brine solution from water softeners. Salt brine can build up in the groundwater and pollute wells and springs supplying drinking water.
DON'T allow excess amounts of fat or grease to enter the system. It can congeal and cause obstructions.
DON'T use garbage disposals that are connected to the septic system.
DON'T flush paper towels, tampons or sanitary napkins, condoms, plastic, or cat litter - you get the idea! These items do not degrade and will fill up the tank quickly, costing you more in pumping fees or allowing sludge to clog the absorption field.
DON'T soak diapers in toilet bowl a child may come along and try to flush the toilet.
DON'T put a lot of water into the system all at once. Use water sensibly, and teach children to do the same.
DON'T use matches or an open flame to inspect a septic tank. Gases produced by decomposing sewage can explode and cause serious injury.
DON'T dig in your drainfield or build anything over it, and don't cover the drainfield with a hard surface such as concrete or asphalt. The area over the drainfield should have only a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
DON'T allow trucks or heavy equipment to drive or park over the tank or leaching field. Heavy equipment can crush the pipes and compact the soil so it can no longer filter and absorb sewage nutrients.
DON'T plant trees or shrubs on or near the leaching field. Trees such as willows, poplar and sumac can clog up your tile bed and cause backup and surface seepage.
DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining a professional septic contractor.
DON'T go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in. system.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.