Do's and Don'ts

Do's

• Minimize the use of bleach and cleaning solvents.
• DO practice water conservation and endure that fixtures do not leak.
• DO check toilets for leaks annually by placing dye in the tank (food coloring) and leaving it for several hours. The dye should not appear in the toilet bowl.
• DO have a maintenance provider in place to maintain and monitor the system.
• DO keep maintenance/ service records at all times. These records are to stay with the system (and passed to new owners of property changes ownership).

 

Don'ts

• DO NOT discharge from water treatment devices including water softeners into the system.
• DO NOT use powdered laundry detergent or dishwasher soap, liquid soap is acceptable.
• DO NOT flush anything (e.g., Condoms, Q-tips) into the system that does not pass through the human body with the only exception of toilet paper.
• DO NOT introduce excessive amounts of fats, oils or grease into the system.
• DO NOT use commercial septic tank additives: they are unnecessary, expensive and can impair system performance.
• DO NOT stress system with multiple laundry loads on one day- spread laundry throughout week.
• DO NOT introduce or put any non-biodegradable substances into the system such as:
  • Chemicals, including paint (do not wash paint brushes inside the house)
  • Solvents, antifreeze, gas, herbicides, pesticides
  • Coffee grounds
  • Cigarette butts
  • Disposable diapers
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Condoms
  • Paper towel, facial tissue, sanitary wipes
  • Cat litter
  • Hair

 

Cautions and Warnings

• Garbage disposal unit is NOT to be used with septic systems. A garbarator will overload the septic tank, degrade wastewater treatment and decrease drain field life.
• No water softeners, floor drains, roof drains or perimeter drains to drain into the wastewater system.
• Irrigation over mound or drain field should be closely monitored. Excessive irrigation infiltrates into and hydraulically overloads the system. Hydraulic overload will cause failure in the system.
• Structures, roads, paths, parking, swimming pools, and any impervious materials are prohibited from being placed on drain fields. Any of these will cause a failure of the system.
• Gases within the septic tank and pump chamber can be explosive and/or cause asphyxiation. DO NOT enter tank risers or tanks at any time. Lids are to be secured at all times.