DO have your tank pumped out and system inspected every 3 to 5 years
by a licensed septic contractor (listed in the yellow pages).
DO keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.
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, showerheads and toilets.
DO learn the location of your septic system and drainfield. 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.
DO divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides
away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains
away from the septic system as well.
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.
DON'T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area
over the drainfield should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass
cover. Roots from nearby trees and shrubs may clog and damage your
drain lines.
DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the
required health department permit. Use professional licensed septic
contractors when needed.
DON'T use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not
help and some may hurt your system in the long run.
DON'T use your toilet as a trash can by dumping nondegradables down your
toilet or drains. Also, don't poison your septic system and the groundwater
by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the beneficial
bacteria that treat your wastewater. Keep the following materials
out of your septic system:
-
Nondegradables: grease, disposable diapers, plastics, etc.
-
Poisons: gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, antifreeze,
etc.
