The effectiveness of your septic system depends on how it is used and maintained. Water-use habits, fixtures and appliances, product selection, and septic additives and cleaners all affect how well a septic system works. Your septic system operates every time wastewater enters the system.

Do’s


√	Have your system checked and maintained by a registered onsite wastewater practitioner (ROWP) or other qualified person.

√	Periodically check for any soft or wet spots on or near your septic field. It is far less costly to fix problems when they are small… waiting can lead to more serious problems.

√	Ensure there are no dripping faucets or continually running toilets that may overload your septic system. A running toilet can waste up to ½ gallon of water per minute ~ over 700 gallons a day!

√	Use water sparingly. Remember all water used by your household needs to be treated in the septic system.

√	Make sure all surface water, roof drains or perimeter drains discharge away from your sewage disposal system.

√	Space out heavy water usage. For example, it is better to wash one load of laundry per day rather than doing several loads at a time.

Don’ts

χ	Do not allow machinery, cars, trucks, ATV’s or other vehicles to drive or park over any part of the disposal system.

χ	Do not allow heavy cloven-footed animals over any part of your system (horses, cows, etc.).

χ	Do not plant trees with large root systems within the disposal field area.

χ	Do not use excessive amounts of bleach or other cleansers.

χ	Do not dump toxic chemicals, oils, paints or solvents down the toilet.

χ	Do not flush away cigarette butts, filters, sanitary napkins, newspaper, disposable diapers, facial tissue, paper towels, hair, plastic, metal or rubber items, coffee grounds, tea leaves, grease or fats. They can plug a septic tank or a drain field.

χ	Do not leave the system non-operative for long periods of time.