Do’s and Don’ts of Septic System Maintenance

Do:

1.)  Inspect for scum and sludge depth once each year and never allow sludge or scum to escape from the septic tank into the drain field.

2.)  Pump tank at proper intervals (usually every three to five years).

3.)  Limit water entering your tank:

	use water-saving fixtures (faucets, showers, toilets)
	prevent basement sump pump connection to tank
	drain appliances one at a time
	spread clothes-washing over the entire week and avoid half-loads
	prevent rood, foundation, driveway and basement drainage from entering tank or drain field area
	fix all faucet and toilet float valve leaks

4.)  Keep soil over your system slightly mounded to help surface water run off.

5.)  Landscape your system properly.  Dense grass cover and other shallow-rooted plants are beneficial over a drain field.

6.)  Keep automobiles, all heavy vehicles and livestock off the drain field.

7.)  Mark the boundaries of your drain field as a reminder.

8.)  If your system is equipped with a diverter valve between the septic tank and soil absorption field, allow one side of your system to "rest" at one-year intervals.

9.)  If your system is equipped with a dosing chamber, be sure the submersible pump is operating and properly maintained for uniform discharge of effluent into the absorption field, followed by drainage between doses.

Don't

	1.)  Use chemicals to clean or "sweeten" your system except on the advice of your local health department.
	2.)  Overuse a kitchen garbage disposal unit.  Heavy use adds large quantities of solids and shortens the time between pumping.
	3.)  Put harmful materials in the tank.  Avoid fats, solvents, oils, disinfectants, paints, chemicals, pesticides, poisons, coffee grounds, paper towels, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and tampons.
	4.)  Place impermeable materials over your drain field.  Materials such as concrete or plastic reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment.  They can also hinder access to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair.
	5.)  Fertilize the soil above a drain field.
	6.)  Stockpile snow or soil on your drain field.
	7.)  Allow downspouts to drain onto or into your drain field.
	8.)  Enter a dosing chamber or septic tank.  Poisonous gases or the lack of oxygen can be fatal.  Any work on the tank must be done from the outside.