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DO Have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5
years by licensed septic contractor. |
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DO Keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance. |
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DO Practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and
leaking toilets, run washing machines and dishwashers only when full,
avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, shower
heads, and toilets. |
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DO Learn the location of your septic system and drain field. Keep
a sketch of it handy for service visits. If your system has a flow
diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow
diverters can add many years to the life of your system. |
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DO Divert roof drains and surface water from driveways an
hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing
drains away from the septic system as well. |
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DO Take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved
hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants,
and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with
product labels. |
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DON'T Allow any one to drive or park over any part of the system.
The area over the drain field should be left undisturbed with only a mowed
grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your
drain lines. |
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DON'T Make or allow repairs to your septic system without
obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed
septic contractors when needed. |
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DON'T Use commercial septic tank additives. These products
usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run. |
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DON'T Use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-degradables
down your toilet or drains. Also, don't poison your system and the ground
water by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the
beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater. Keep the following
material out of your system: grease, disposable diapers, plastics,
gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, and antifreeze. |
