Only put only biodegradable waste into the system.
Do not flush cigarette butts, “flushable” wipes, cotton swabs, cat litter, sanitary napkins/ tampons, chemicals, paints and other non biodegradable chemicals into the septic system.
Minimize the use of bleach and other anti-bacterial cleaners.
Bleach and anti-bacterial cleaners are designed to kill bacteria and it’s the bacteria in the septic tank that does the “work” of the septic system.
Never clean paint brushes, rollers or paint trays in any sink that drains into the septic system.
Even water soluble paints are non bio degradable and should not go into the septic system.
Minimize the amounts of cooking oils and grease being put into the system.
Fats, Oils, and Grease (FOG) come from cooking oil, lard, meat fats, salad dressing, mayonnaise, gravy, margarine, butter, sour dressing, etc. If poured down the drain, FOG can accumulate in the plumbing and cause all manner of problems. As FOG builds up in plumbing, it interferes with the flow in the plumbing which can result in the backup of untreated wastewater
Water conservation will extend the life of your system…
By reducing the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed of. Septic systems do not have unlimited capacity. Residential septic systems are designed to handle limited amount of waste water per bedroom per day. Overloads can occur seasonally or daily.
Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping.
Installation of a riser over the tank provides easier access for inspection and pumping. Don’t cover the septic tank or effluent disposal area with asphalt or concrete
Call a septic system professional when you have problems.
.Don’t attempt to repair a system yourself. A repair permit may be needed from your local health department.
State laws do require that you get a permit before replacing a failing system.
It is important the system is repaired/replaced promptly & properly to minimize the health risk to your family, the community, and the environment.
Don’t drive wheeled vehicles (tractors, cars, trucks, atv’s etc.) over your septic system or compact the soil in any way.
Damage to system components may occur and because they’re underground you won’t see the damage until it’s too late.
Don’t dig into your septic system or build anything over it.
Damage to system components may occur. Your septic tank may not be rated to support the weight.
Restrict use of a garbage grinder/disposal.
Waste from garbage disposals does not contain enzymes and bacteria making it much harder for the bacteria in the tank to fully break these items down.
Be sure that water from the roof, gutters, and foundation drains do not flow over, or into, the system.
This will keep the disposal area from becoming saturated.
Keep trees and bushes away from the leaching system.
The “leach field ” is an easy source for plants, trees, and shrubs to get water and this can cause root invasion. Keeping the area mowed will reduce the chance of this happening.
Don’t discharge a water treatment system back flush into the septic system.
This introduces additional water into the system and in some cases a salty brine which retards bacterial growth.
Are laundry and dishwashing pods safe for my Septic?
Pods have been found to not entirely dissolve and the remaining micro plastic has been found in the disposal area. This can cause the E.D.A. to age prematurely.