Maintenance of All Septic Systems
- Do not put grease, coffee grounds or egg shells down a garbage disposal
- Do not use powdered laundry detergents - they contain clay and fillers; do not use liquid fabric softener in the washing machine; rather use dryer sheets
- Do not flush tampons, wipes, kitty litter, tissues, cigarette butts, condoms, disposable diapers, paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oil, pesticides, etc.
- Do not do all of your laundry on one day or only on the weekend - space out your water usage over the entire week
- Do not drive heavy equipment or vehicles over your system
- Do not dig in your drain field or build anything over it or your tank such as a patio or driveway. Know where your system is located. The area over the drain field should have only a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
- Do not change any landscaping unless you are sure it will not divert water to your tank or drain field.
- Do not plant water-seeking trees (such as willow) too near your drain field as their roots will invade it and cause problems over time.
- Do not allow dry wall workers or painters to rinse their buckets or brushes in the house; rather, have them go outside and rinse with a garden hose.
- Pump your septic tank on a regular basis. The Health Department recommends every 3 - 4 years, depending on the size of your family and whether or not you use a garbage disposal, water softener, or whirlpool.
- Conserve water as much as possible. For example, try to avoid letting water run while washing hands and brushing teeth. Avoid taking long showers. Consider installing water-saving devices in faucets and shower-heads. Repair any leaking faucets or running toilets, and use washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
- Divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the septic system.
- If your septic tank has an effluent filter over the outlet end of the tank, please note which direction the arrow is facing on the filter, pull it out in two months and spray it off with a garden hose. If the filter looks fairly clean, you may want to wait three months before cleaning it again. After cleaning it, replace it with the arrow facing the same direction as when you pulled the filter out. Failure to clean it on a regular basis may result in water surfacing over your tank or a back up in your house. Home owner is responsible for the maintenance of this filter. This filter can add years to your septic system.
- If at all possible, reroute your water softener to a separate tile so it does not regenerate into the septic system. However, no water softener should ever discharge into an AdvanTex septic system.