Taking Care of Your Septic System
Proper care of your system requires day-to-day management as well as periodic maintenance.  It also requires that you know where your system is.  The more you know about how your system operates and how it should be maintained, the better able you will be to proper operability of the septic system.

In order to maintain your system, the tank needs to be accessible for pumping and the drainfield should be protected.

Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed of by your system. Doing laundry over several days will put less stress on your system.

Repair any leaking faucets or toilets.

Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your tank and drainfield.

Have your septic tank inspected and pumped regularly by a licensed septic tank contractor. *Suggested frequency is 3-5 years.

Keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and pumpings. Install risers with lids if necessary.

Don't drive over your tank and drainfield or compact the soil in any way.

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

Limit the use of your garbage disposal, disposals can increase solids to your tank by 50%, thus you will have to pump your tank more often than normally suggested.

Never put yourself into a septic tank. Toxic gases from the tank can kill. If your system develops problems, get advice from a licensed septic tank contractor.

Don't use your toilet as a trash can or or pour harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the bacteria that help purify your wastewater.

DO NOT FLUSH these down the toilet
  Coffee grounds
  Disposable diapers
  Cigarette butts
  Grease or Oil from the skillets
  Paints
  Thinners
  Varnishes
  Lacquers
  Photographic solutions
  Antibiotics
  Dental floss
  Kitty litter
  Tampons
  Condoms
  Paper towels
  Waste oils
  Pesticides
Pumping your septic tank on a regular basis is probably the single most important thing you can do to protect your system. If the buildup of solids in the tank becomes too high and solids move into the drainfield, it could clog the system to the point where extensive drainfield service or replacement would be needed.

For further information see Misc. Links for sites that have more detailed information.