Good Maintenance Tips for Home Owners

INSIDE

• Conserve water. Fix leaks and drips. If you replace old fixtures, install new "low flow" types.
• Do not overload the system -- this is the primary cause of system failures. Early morning and bedtime are peak water use times in the bathroom.
• Run dishwashers and washing machines at other times of the day. Don't do all the family laundry in one day.
• Do not overuse a garbage disposal or dump coffee grounds in the sink. Increasing the load of solids into the tank decreases the capacity and shortens the interval between pumpings.
• Do not pour fats and oils down the drain. They can build up and clog the septic tank pipes.
• Put paper towels, tissue, cigarette butts, dental floss, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons and other material in a trash can, not the toilet.
• Use normal amounts of detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, household cleaners and other products. Avoid dumping solvents like dry cleaning fluid, pesticides, grease, oil, photographic chemicals, paint thinner, or auto products down the drain.

OUTSIDE

• Direct down spouts and runoff away from the septic field to avoid saturating the area with excess water.
• Dense grass cover and other shallow rooted plants are beneficial over a drainfield. However, do not plant trees because large plant roots can clog or break the pipes.
• Avoid compacting the soil over the infiltration area. Do not drive or park vehicles over the area and don't build a shed or driveway in this area. These activities can also crack pipes, meaning that effluent will only flow into part of the drain field.
• Tanks need to be pumped every two to three years, depending on use (see chart below). If the tank gets too full, particles of scum or sludge will flush out of the tank. This material will clog the drainfeild and cause the septic system to fail.
• For your tank cleaning needs, we recommend that you call Cruse Pumping: to pump the waste out of your tank. The tank should be pumped out completely, leaving nothing in the tank. Make sure the tees are in place and not damaged.