Tank Tips for Homeowners and Tenants

DO ...

• pump regularly to rid your tank of solids, sludge and scum which may eventually cause your system to fail;
• use liquid laundry detergent as it is easily broken down. Powdered detergents may not break down which can plug the line at the baffle and accumulate at the bottom of the tank. If you must use powdered detergents, make sure it is biodegradable and has dissolved;
• space your laundry loads and showers. Excessive water use within short time periods puts extra stress on the septic system and may lead to premature failure;
• fix leaking faucets and toilets and use water saving devices in toilets or showers;
• use the dishwasher or washing machine only when you have full loads;
• call us, a plumber or landlord if your toilets don’t flush properly or showers and drains run slowly. This is a sign that the septic tank may be full or the pipes may be clogged;
• call us, a plumber or landlord if you note sewage coming out of outside standpipes. This is a health hazard and should be cleaned up or covered with lime hydrate (which can be obtained at most hardware stores) as soon as possible. Children and pets should be kept away from this area until properly cleaned up; 
• make sure that standpipes are properly capped. This helps prevent rocks and debris from going down into the tank and prevent odors in your yard or house. 

Don't ...

• pour grease down your drains. Wipe out pans and skillets w/ paper towels prior to washing them in order to keep grease from going down the drains;
• use your garbage disposal if you have one or use it sparingly. If you regularly use a disposal, pump yearly.
• put anything other than toilet paper down your toilet nor let anything other than wastewater go down your drains. Paper towels, newspaper, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, rags, pantiliners, cigarette butts, diapers, handy wipes and even kleenex will not decompose and add to the build-up at the bottom of the tank; 
• dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides or poisons down the drain as it can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate the groundwater;
• allow children to throw plastic toys, excessive toilet paper and clothes down the toilet. These often get stuck in the pipes resulting in back-ups;
• use chlorine or bleach in your wash. Clorox II is a good substitute;
• use automatic toilet bowl cleaners as they destroy the bacterial action of the septic system;
• use strong chemicals such as DRANO or Liquid Plumber;
• plant anything over the drainfield except grass;
• allow children to throw rocks or sticks down the standpipes;
• cut down standpipes in the yard. In case of back-ups, locating the standpipes is critical. 
• drive vehicles or other heavy equipment or allow large animals to travel over the septic system. Keep walking traffic to a minimum to avoid compacting the leachfield.