Save your septic system by following these important guidelines:
- Never flush any plastics, rags, diapers, feminine products, cigarette butts or paper
towels. Only biodegradable items should go down any drains
- Do not dump cooking grease, fats, or any other foods down the drain
- Buy and use only septic safe detergents, soaps, and cleaners. No bleach!
- Install a laundry lint filter on your washing machine discharge plumbing
- Space out large water volume use tasks such as laundry, dishes, baths. Large volumes
of water discharged in the same day limit settling time in the septic tank and increase the
risk of suspended solids exiting the septic tank and being carried to the drainfield
- Only run dishwashers when they are full
- Never dump or flush chemicals or medications. They do not degrade and will
contaminate the ground water.
- Check all household appliances and fixtures for leaks. Even small leaks can double the
daily wastewater discharge and consequently flood the drainfield leading to permanent
damage. If you have municipal water you can monitor your meter for sudden increases
in water consumption. If you have a private water well you can install a water meter at a
very reasonable cost. Water use should not exceed 110 gallons per day per person.
- ALWAYS have your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis, generally every 3 to 5 years.
Septic tank additives ARE NOT a substitute for routine septic tank cleaning.
- Never drive on, plant on, or construct anything on top of your septic tank or drainfield
