By following a few simple rules, you won’t have to think about your system on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, with proper use, conventional onsite systems can operate for years without much management.
Maintenance begins with sound water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, we encourage you to set rules and stick to them.
Important for the life of your Septic System
Do’s:
- Do have an operation and monitoring contract with Southern Water and Soil, Inc.
- Do divert surface runoff water from roofs, patios, driveways, and other areas away from the absorption field and tanks.
- Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
- Repair any leaking faucets and toilets.
- Only discharge biodegradable wastes into system.
- Restrict garbage disposal use.
- Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping. Southern Water and Soil reccommends installing risers for easy access.
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.
- Call Southern Water and Soil, Inc. when you have problems.
- Compost your garbage or put it in the trash.
Don’ts:
- Do not drive over the absorption field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment.
- Do not plant trees or shrubbery in the absorption field area, because the roots can clog the lines.
- Do not cover the absorption field with hard surfaces, such as concrete or asphalt. Grass is the best cover, because it will help prevent erosion and help remove excess water.
- Do not connect the water softener back-flush discharge to the septic system.
- Do not install irrigation over or around the absorption field.
- Allow any repairs without obtaining a permit; use only licensed septic contractors.
Homeowners wanting to take good care of their septic systems should make note of the following items that should never be flushed down the drain or toilet. These items can overtax or destroy the biological digestion taking place within the system or clog pumps and pipes. Remember, if it has not been through your body’s digestive system, it shouldn’t go in the septic tank!
The following examples are only a few items NOT to flush:
hair combings, coffee grounds, dental floss, disposable diapers, kitty litter, sanitary napkins, tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, gauze bandages/Band-Aids, fat, grease, oil paper towels, baby wipes and NEVER flush chemicals that could destroy the life of your system, such as:
paints, varnishes, thinners, prescription medicine, waste oils, photographic solutions, pesticides
Guidelines for a Healthy Septic System
By following a few simple rules, you won’t have to think about your system on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, with proper use, conventional onsite systems can operate for years without much management.
Maintenance begins with sound water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, we encourage you to set rules and stick to them.
Many homes have garbage disposals to help manage vegetable and other food waste. Excessive use of your garbage disposal will introduce a high level of unwanted solids into your system. Use disposals sparingly and consider composting as an option to handle vegetable waste.
If you own a septic system, it is important that it be properly maintained. How often you need to pump the solids out of your septic tank depends on three major factors:
1. The number of people in your household;
2. The amount of wastewater generated (based on the number of people in the
household and the amount of water used); and
3. The volume of solids in the wastewater (e.g., using a garbage disposal will
increase the amount of solids, garbage disposals are NOT recommended).
As part of an O&M contract, Southern Water and Soil, Inc. will measure sludge and scum layers to determine if pump out is needed.
Do not put too much water into the septic system. Excess water puts too much strain on the decomposition process and can cause problems. Maximum water use is 75 gallons per day for each person in the family. Estimate by using the following numbers per person so you can keep track:
- Shower: 2.5 gallons per minute – 10 minute shower = 25 gallons
- Toilet: 2 gallons per flush (for toilets bought in the last 20 years)
- Washing machine: 40 gallons per load
- Dishwasher cycle: 10 gallons
With large families, keeping track of water use can be hard. But laying down guidelines can help everyone do their part. Also consider getting energy and water-wise appliances when you need to replace your current models.
Be aware that your system is sized to handle the number of people anticipated to be using it when it is installed. If that number increases, you may need a larger or more sophisticated pretreatment system.
Do not use harsh drain openers for a clogged drain. The best alternative to conventional, caustic drain openers is to use boiling water or a drain snake to clear clogs. Though this approach may be a little messier, the chemicals in drain cleaners can cause havoc with your septic system.
Use mild or natural cleaners for your bathroom and kitchen. They should either be approved for use in septic systems or marked biodegradable.
Be aware that bleaches and antibacterial soaps can inhibit the enzymatic action necessary to help bacteria break down the solids in the tank.
Again, harsh chemicals can cause expensive and unpleasant problems in your system.
If you use or intend to use a water softener in the home, let your installer or maintenance contractor know. Under certain soil conditions, the salt recharge solution must be handled carefully and the size of your absorption field may need to be increased. We highly recommend NOT connecting your water softener backwash to the septic tank.
Have the sludge and scum layer measured to determine if a pump-out is required.
Remember, more sophisticated systems may require additional maintenance. So always ask your maintenance provider for details.
You can always contact The Septic Experts, Southern Water and Soil, Inc. when in doubt!
