Septic Checklists
For Regular Household Activities
Cat litter
Feminine hygiene products
Paper towels
Cotton swabs
Cigarette butts
Dental floss
Don't Flush
Grease
Garbage
Diapers or wipes
Pills or medicine
Coffee grounds
Avoid Putting Down the Drains
Bleach
Detergents
Household chemicals
Pesticides
Paint
Antifreeze
Limit laundry loads to 1-2 full loads per day.
Don't leave the water running when brushing teeth or shaving.
Minimize the use of the garbage disposal.
Don't use caustic drain openers.
Don't use water purifiers or softeners.
Run the dishwasher only when it's full.
Make sure all the faucets are turned off when not in use.
Maintenance
Keep records of inspections, pumpings, permits and repairs
Keep a drawing of your septic system showing the location of the tank and the drain field
Set-up an inspection and pumping schedule
Fix all drippy faucets
Test your well water at least annually.
Keep the contact number for your septic professional handy
DO NOT go into a septic tank
Protect Your Drain Field
Don't drive on it
Don't plant trees or shrubs near it
Don't drain the hot tub, sump pump or the rain gutters into the septic system
Don't build any structures, pools or driveways on it
Your Septic System Might Be Failing If -
There is an unpleasant odor
Toilets flush slowly
The grass on the drain field is unusually lush and green
There is a surface flow of waste water on the drain field
There is sewage back-up
Common Myths
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I don't have to have my tank pumped; it has a pump.
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My septic system will last a lifetime.
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I have a new system. I never need to pump again.
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I have never had problems. I'm not going to pump until I do.
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Septic system additives will take the place of having the septic tank pumped.
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Flushing yeast or buttermilk into the septic tank will eliminate the need for pumping.
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If the septic system appears to be failing, flush the septic tank with large amounts of water.
