
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
-
I don't have to have my tank pumped; it has a pump.
-
My septic system will last a lifetime.
-
I have a new system. I never need to pump again.
-
I have never had problems. I'm not going to pump until I do.
-
Septic system additives will take the place of having the septic tank pumped.
-
Flushing yeast or buttermilk into the septic tank will eliminate the need for pumping.
-
If the septic system appears to be failing, flush the septic tank with large amounts of water.
