DO's
- Do learn the location
of your septic tank and
absorption field. Keep a sketch
of it handy with your
maintenance record for service
visits.
- Do inspect your septic system
regularly. Inspect and clean
your filter (if equipped) after the
first 2 months and every 6
months thereafter.
- Do have your septic tank pumped
out every 3-5 years by a
licensed pumper.
- Do keep your septic tank cover
accessible for inspections and
pumpings. Install risers if
necessary.
- Do call a professional whenever
you experience problems with
your system, or if there are any
signs of system failure.
- Do keep a detailed record of
repairs, pumpings, inspections,
permits issued, and other
maintenance activities.
- Do conserve water to avoid over-
loading the system. Be sure to
repair any leaky faucets or
toilets.
- Do divert other sources of water,
like roof drains, house footing
drains, and sump pumps, away
from the septic system.
Excessive water keeps the soil
in the absorption field from
naturally cleansing the
wastewater.
- Do minimize garbage disposal
use. Food items can place
additional stress upon a septic
system.
- Do keep backwash from water
softeners out of the septic
system.
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DON'Ts
- 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.
- Don't allow anyone to drive or
park over any part of the
system.
- Don't plant anything over or near
the absorption field except
grass. Roots from nearby trees
or shrubs may clog and
damagethe drain lines.
- Don't dig in your absorption field
or build anything over it, and
don't cover the absorption field
with a hard surface such as
concrete or asphalt. The area
over the absorption field should
have only a grass cover. The
grass will not only prevent
erosion, but will help remove
excess water.
- 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 septic tank additives.
These products usually do not
help and some may even be
harmful to your system.
- Don't use your toilet as a trash
can or poison your septic
system and the groundwater by
pouring harmful chemicals and
cleansers down the drain.
Harsh chemicals can kill the
beneficial bacteria that treat
your wastewater.
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coffee grounds
dental floss
diapers
kitty litter
sanitary napkins
tampons
cigarette butts
condoms
fat, grease or oil
paper towels
antibiotics
or hazardous chemicals, such as:
paints
varnishes
thinners
waste oils
photographic solutions
pesticides
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