Do's and Don'ts of Septic Tanks and Drain Fields

DO learn the location of your septic tank and drain  field. Keep a sketch of it handy with your maintenance record for  service visits.

DO have your septic tank inspected every few years. Especially check for the sludge and scum levels.

DO inspect the drain field for odors and wet spots which  are indicators of improper drainage, a clogged system or excessive  water use. The presence of damp or soggy areas or odors may indicate a  leak in the system.

DO have your septic tank pumped out regularly by a licensed contractor.

DO keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping. Install risers if necessary.

DO call a professional whenever you experience problems with your system, or if there are any signs of system failure.

DO keep a detailed record of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.

DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.

DO divert other sources of water, like roof drains,  house footing drains and sump pumps, away from the septic system.  Excessive water keeps the soil in the drain field from naturally  cleansing the wastewater.

Don’t go down into a septic tank. Toxic  gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks  and can kill in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a  septic tank, even when just looking in.

Don’t allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.

Don’t plant anything over or near the drain field except grass. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines.

Don’t dig in your drain field or build  anything over it, and don’t cover the drain field with a hard surface  such as concrete or asphalt. The area over the drain field should only  have a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will  help remove excess water.

Don’t make or allow repairs to your  septic system without obtaining the required health department permit.  Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed.

Don’t use septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may even be harmful to your system.

Don’t use your toilet as a trash can or  poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful  chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the  beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.

Don’t use a garbage disposal without  checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that your septic  system can accommodate this additional waste.

Don’t allow backwash from home water softeners to enter our septic system.