Septic Tank Do’s & Don’ts

10 Do’s

  • Do spread out your laundry loads; do laundry on different days of the week, rather than all at once
  • Do use single ply toilet paper
  • Do Check for leaky fixtures
  • Do compost kitchen waste
  • Do remove or prevent trees with large root systems growing near the leach field
  • Do use liquid laundry soap
  • Do make sure your Water Treatment Device (water softener) isn’t adding excess water to your septic tank
  • Do ensure rain water and runoff is diverted away from your septic tank
  • Do have your septic tank pumped as required. A home with 4 occupants and a 1,500 gallon septic tank should have the tank pumped every 4.2 years. As directed by NAWT (National Association of Wastewater Technicians)
  • Do make a permanent record of where the key parts of your septic system are located

10 Don’ts

  • Don’t overload the septic system with high volumes of water
  • Don’t use powdered laundry soap
  • Don’t use bleach
  • Don’t put flushable wipes, feminine products, diapers or paper towels into your tank
  • Don’t use anti-bacterial soaps
  • Don’t flush prescription medications (Namely antibiotics)
  • Don’t drain paints or chemicals down sinks or toilets
  • Don’t use garbage disposals (Undigested food takes the bacteria longer to break down). Tanks serving homes with garbage disposals should be pumped twice as often
  •  Don’t dispose of fats and grease down drains
  • Above all else- DON’T wait for signs of failure. Have your tank checked regularly!!!