Septic System Maintenance Tips

The single most important thing you can do for your septic system is to be mindful of what goes down your drains and toilets.

• Pet waste: It can contain parasites that survive the septic process.
• Flush only the three P’s: Pee, Poop, and (toilet) Paper. That’s it!

Never flush these items:

• Disposable wipes: Even if they say “flushable,” they don’t break down and can clog your system.
• Paper towels, feminine hygiene products, diapers, and cotton swabs: These also cause major clogs.
• Dental floss and cigarette butts: They are non-biodegradable and will not break down.

• Limit grease and fats: Pouring grease down the sink can cause clogs and interfere with the natural breakdown process in your tank. Let it cool and solidify, then throw it in the trash.
• Use drain cleaners sparingly: Harsh chemical drain cleaners can kill the good bacteria in your tank that are essential for breaking down waste.
• Limit household chemicals: Avoid pouring excess paint, cleaning solvents, or other chemicals down the drain.

• Spread out your laundry: Do one load of laundry per day instead of all in one day. This helps prevent a flood of water from entering the tank all at once.
• Install high-efficiency fixtures: Low-flow toilets and showerheads use less water and reduce the overall volume of water your septic system has to handle.
• Fix leaky faucets and toilets: A slow leak can add hundreds of gallons of water to your tank each day, which is an unnecessary strain.

Your septic tank needs to be professionally pumped to remove the built-up solids.

• Keep heavy vehicles away: Never drive or park on top of your septic tank or drainfield. The weight can crush the pipes and compact the soil, causing damage.
• Schedule regular pumping: Most homes should have their tank pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on household size and water use.
• Know your tank’s location: Keep a sketch or picture of where your tank and drainfield are located. This is important for maintenance and in case of any issues.