Dos, Don’ts and Nevers

How should I care for my septic system?

• Learn the location of your septic system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record and service visits.
• Keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued and other system maintenance activities.
• Check any pumps, siphons, other moving parts, plus the interceptor drain regularly.
• Have your septic system inspected and pumped after two years to determine pumping intervals.
• Keep harsh chemicals and other toxins out of your system. Ensure that any unused paint, varnish, solvents, petrochemicals, and pesticides are disposed of responsibly at a local garbage or recycling depot that handles these materials appropriately.
• Use a garbage disposal system sparingly, as this adds to the volume of solids and water entering your tank, which will mean you will need to have your tank pumped out more often.  Raw/undigested foods put additional strain on your septic system as they take much longer to decompose than digested food (human waste).
• Divert stormwater runoff, and water from surface water, sump pumps and foundation footings away from your septic tank and drain field. Gutter downpipes and rainwater from rooftops should be channelled away from your septic drain field to prevent additional water from entering the system.
• Reduce your water usage by repairing any leaks and repairing any dripping faucets. Avoid long showers and use water-saving devices in faucets, shower heads and toilets.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. Wash smaller loads of clothing over the course of the week, rather than overloading your system with a week’s washing on “wash day”. This will not only extend the life of your septic system, but it will also reduce your water and energy costs, saving you money.
• Plant grass on the drain field to minimize soil erosion.

• Don’t dump grease or fats down the kitchen drain. They solidify, and the accumulation may contribute to blockages in the system.
• Don’t plant trees or shrubbery on the absorption field area. The roots will get into the lines, plugging them up.
• Don’t drive over the absorption field with cars, trucks, or heavy equipment as they could crush the pipes.
• Don’t discharge the backwash from water treatment devices into your septic system.
• Don’t use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-degradable, chemicals or solvents down your toilet or drains (see “Nevers” below).
• Don’t enter a pumped septic tank. The gases may be fatal.
• Don’t use commercial septic tank additives.
• Don't plow or pile snow onto your drainage field.  This can lead to over-saturated soil and cause non-performance of your drainage field

Never flush solids down the toilet. This includes:

• Cigarette Butts
• Kitty Litter
• Feminine Hygiene Products (Tampons, Sanitary Napkins, Panty Liners, Etc.)
• Facial Tissues
• Paper Towels
• Unused Medications
• Disposable Diapers
• Flushable Wipes
• Condoms
• Hair
• Dental Floss
• Cotton Swabs, Cotton Balls, or Makeup Removal Pads
• Coffee Grounds
• Pesticides
• Paint Thinners
• Waste Oils
• Varnishes
• Photographic Chemicals
• All Other Chemical Wastes

Most solids take a long time to break down, overburdening your septic system, while chemicals and medications could harm the bacterial communities living in your septic tank.

Call today to book your septic inspection and get peace of mind knowing that your system is running the way it should.