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Keeping A Healthy System
Click here for the EPA's Homeowner's Guide
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 and maintenance, conventional onsite systems can operate trouble-free indefinitely.
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.
Here is a partial list of the items to keep OUT of your system. Do not introduce any of the following:
• Grease or Cooking Oils 
• Plastics
• Plastics • Disposable Diapers • Cat Litter
• Cat Litter • Feminine Hygiene Products • Latex Paint, Pesticides, or any Hazardous Chemicals
• Latex Paint, Pesticides, or any Hazardous Chemicals • Any Latex Products • Water Purification Back Flush
• Water Purification Back Flush• Paper Towels
Ask your septic contractor for a complete list of prohibited items for your custom system.
Many homes have garbage disposals to help manage vegetable and other food waste. Excessive use of your garbage disposal may introduce a high level of unwanted solids into your system. Use disposals moderately, if your system is designed for one, and consider composting as an option to handle vegetable waste. Many experts do not recommend the use of garbage disposals, nor do we.
Avoid putting too much water into the septic system. Excess water puts too much strain on the decomposition process and can cause problems. Maximum water use should be about 50 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)
1.6 gallons with newer standard toilets
• Washing machine: 40 gallons per load (much less with new front loaders)
• Dishwasher cycle: 7 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. If you have a well, consider using a water meter. Visit www.energystar.gov for suggestions.
Be aware that your system is sized to handle the number of people anticipated to be using it when it was installed. If that number increases, you may need a larger system.
Do not use harsh drain openers for a clogged drain. The best alternative to conventional, caustic drain openers is to use salt, baking soda, & vinegar in a 1:1:1 ratio followed by boiling water or a drain snake to clear clogs. 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, "septic-safe" or marked biodegradable. Add a laundry filter to your washing machine.
Be aware that excessive use of bleaches and antibacterial soaps can inhibit the enzymatic action necessary to help bacteria break down the solids in the tank.
If you use or intend to use a water softener in the home, let your installer or maintenance contractor know. The salt recharge solution must be redirected out of the septic tank.
Have the solids pumped out of the septic tank on a regular basis. All-Clear, or your local health department, can give you guidelines.
Remember, more sophisticated systems may require additional maintenance. Hot tubs and Jacuzzi tubs add excess water and stress to your system, which endangers the longevity of your system. Prior to altering your system, it is imperative to inform your installer if you have either one.
