Do's & Don'ts for Septic Systems

Household Habits

1. Conserve water to reduce the load on the septic system. For example, do laundry throughout the week instead of all at once; use flow reducer nozzles on showers; install water-conserving commodes.
2. Tree roots that invade your septic system can do major damage. Keep trees at least 100- feet away from the septic system. Trees with aggressive roots, such as willows, should be planted even farther away.
3. A soggy drainfield can't handle waste effectively, so design landscaping, roof gutters, and foundation drains to divert excess water away from the septic system.
4. Never flush cat litter, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, paper towels, facial tissues, coffee grounds, cigarette butts, or similar items down the toilet. They'll quickly fill and clog your septic tank.
5. Use garbage disposals wisely. They can double the amount of solids added to a septic tank. Consider installing a top-of-the-line disposal, which will grind waste into smaller particles that break down more quickly when they reach the system.
6. Do not overuse heavy cleaners, especially those containing bleach. They kill beneficial bacteria in the septic tank, so solids can't break down as quickly.
7. Do not pour grease down the drain. It will eventually clog your drainfield. If that happens you'll need an extensive (and expensive) septic system repair - and if there's no space for a repair drainfield you will have serious problems establishing any type of septic system.
8. Do not pour hazardous chemicals down the drain. They can harm your septic system and will eventually find their way into the groundwater.
9. Do not drive over the drainfield, build a structure on to p of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt. A few years ago, there was a home for sale in our area with an above-ground swimming pool built on the septic drainfield. That's a definite don't.
10. Do plant grass on the drainfield to minimize soil erosion.
11. Some professionals recommend a monthly dose of an enzyme product that adds beneficial bacteria to the septic system. Others say it isn't necessary and won't improve the performance of your system. Bottom line, septic additives are not expensive, so they can't hurt. I know several people who swear that flushing a few packets of yeast each month is a great way to keep septic systems in shape.

Household Habits

1. Practice water conservation measures.
2. Use a garbage disposal sparingly. Scrap dishes into garbage, rinse in sink then use disposal. Do not put scraps down the disposal.
3. Don't do more than one or two loads of laundry on any one day or back to back. Space your laundry loads throughout the week to avoid periodic overloading of the septic system. This includes baths, showers and dishwashing.
4. Don't dispose of excessive amounts of bleach, cleaning agents, or other inappropriate materials, such as cooking grease or oil wastes, paint products, or hazardous chemicals down the drains.
5. Don't use septic additives. They are rarely, if ever useful.
6. Don't drain a hot tub (or other large amounts of water) into the septic.
7. Don't clean paintbrushes (used for wither oil based or water based paint) into sinks or other drains that lead to the septic.

Drainfields and Tank Area

1. Divert all surface drainage and roof drains away from the drainfield and tanks.
2. Know where all your components are located.
3. Perform regular inspections around the drainfield looking for wet soil and other signs or problems.
4. Plant a drought resistant grass or other shallow rooted ground cover to prevent erosion of drainfield surface. Avoid plants with water seeking roots.
5. Don't dig into or around the drainfield or its reserve area.
6. Don't disturb or compact the soil over the drainfield or in the area within 30 feet down slope of the drainfield.
7. Don't drive on or within 30 feet from the drainfield.
8. Don't build any structure over the tanks.
9. Don't build any structure on or within about 30 feet of the drainfield.
10. Don't install a sprinkler system on or within about 10 feet of the drainfield or tank. Also make sure that your sprinkler system is equipped with an approved back-flow prevention device.

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