On-Site Sewage System Dos and Don’ts

Dos 
• Check with your local Sewage Enforcement Officer before using  additives as they do not eliminate the need for pumping and can be harmful.
 
• Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair leaky faucets or toilets immediately. 

• Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in  moderation. Many people prefer to clean with a mild detergent or baking soda. 

• Keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities. 

• Learn the location of your septic system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record for service visits. 

• Have your system inspected and pumped as necessary. Consider using a certified Sewer Enforcement Officer for all inspections. 

• Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield. 
Don’ts 
• Your septic system is not a trash can. 
* Don’t put Flushable wipes of any kind, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system. 

• Don’t use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs. 
• Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system.
This list is from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse and the US EPA Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems. 

On-Site Sewage System Dos and Don’ts
Dos 
• Check with your local Sewage Enforcement Officer before using  additives as they do not eliminate the need for pumping and can be harmful.
 
• Use water efficiently to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair leaky faucets or toilets immediately. 

• Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in  moderation. Many people prefer to clean with a mild detergent or baking soda. 

• Keep records of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other system maintenance activities. 

• Learn the location of your septic system. Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record for service visits. 

• Have your system inspected and pumped as necessary. Consider using a certified Sewer Enforcement Officer for all inspections. 

• Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drainfield. 
Don’ts 
• Your septic system is not a trash can. 
* Don’t put Flushable wipes of any kind, dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, latex paint, pesticides, or other hazardous chemicals into your system. 

• Don’t use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain snake to open clogs. 
• Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic system.
This list is from the National Small Flows Clearinghouse and the US EPA Homeowner’s Guide to Septic Systems.