Don't: Flush solid foods and grease into your septic system - the grease hardens and will clog the system.
Don't: Use chemical compounds or enzymes (septic tank cleaners) - the enzymes break down the sludge into smaller particles and allow it to pass into your leaching system this will clog the system.
Don't: Flush paper towels, diapers, baby wipes, feminine products or other trash - these do not break down, they can clog the pipes, fill the tank and offset the organic decomposition offue tank.
Don't: Discharge the brine solution from water softeners into septic systems. Salt brine may build up in the ground water and pollute wells and springs supplying drinking water. Also, the salt solution may degrade the integrity of the concrete; components of your system.
Don't: Don't discharge large quantities of water into the system at once. Space your laundry out. Also, don't let water run unnecessarily when washing dishes, shaving or brushing your teeth, etc.
Don't: Drive cars or trucks over the septic area, the weight of the vehicles can crush distribution pipes, thus causing the system to back up.
Do: Check all of the faucets and toilets in the house for leakage, one leaky faucet can cause a marginally functioning system to fail, and puts excess strain on a properly functioning system.
Do: Pump the tank every two to three years. The best way to prolong the life of a septic system is preventative maintenance.
Do: Keep accurate records about the maintenance and location of your septic system. If you sell your house in the future, your records should show that the system was well maintained.
Do: Make life easier on your septic pumper and yourself if the tank clean-out lid is more than one foot below the ground surface, install a "riser" on the lid of your tank. This is a State of Connecticut requirement. A riser will bring the lid of the tank to approximately 6" below the ground surface resulting in a lot less digging for you and your pumper.
Do: Conserve water. The less water that goes into a system is that much less water a system must dispose of. Educate your family -little things can make a difference in the life of your septic system.
