Below are helpful tips for maintaining your septic system:

General Practices:

• DO have your septic system inspected annually.

• DO learn the location of your septic tank and drain field.

• DO keep a system diagram on file.

• DO keep your tank cover accessible for inspections and pumpings.

• 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 overloading your 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 your septic system. Excessive water keeps the soil in the drain field from naturally cleansing the wastewater.

• DON’T go down into your 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 or looking into your septic tank.

• DON’T use a garbage disposal without checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that your septic system can accommodate this additional waste.

• DON’T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of your system.

• 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 allow backwash from home water softeners to enter your septic system.

• DON’T flush any paper product except toilet paper.

• DON’T use acidic or caustic drain openers. If your drain backs up, use a mechanical device such as a snake or pressure bag to clear the blockage.
  

Kitchen Practices:

• DO use garbage disposal sparingly.

• DO check plumbing for leaks.

• DO full dishwasher loads at off-peak times.

• DON’T pour coffee grounds, oil or grease down your kitchen drain.

• DON’T put harsh chemicals, gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner, antifreeze, pesticides, etc. down your drain.

Bathroom Practices:

• DO use biodegradable toilet paper.

• DO keep hair from washing down your drain when showering or shaving.

• DON’T flush dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, personal products,  cigarette butts, paper towels or harmful chemicals and cleaners.

Landscaping Practices:

• DO plant grass over your system and leach field to prevent soil erosion.

• DO place landscaping, foundation drains and roof gutters in areas which divert water away from your septic system.

• DON’T plant trees and shrubs within 100 feet of your septic system. Roots clog and damage the drain field.

• DON’T dig in the drain field or build anything over it.

• DON’T cover the drain field with concrete or asphalt.

Laundry Room Practices:

• DO use biodegradable detergents, preferably liquid.

• DO only full laundry loads, preferably at off-peak times.

• DON’T pour harmful cleaners down the floor drain.