Homeowners wanting to take good care of their
septic systems should make note of the following.
Don't do all of your laundry in one day; space it out
Don't put a lot of water into the system at one time. Use the water sparingly and teach children to do the same.
Don't allow excess amounts of fat and grease to enter system: it can congeal and cause obstructions.
Don't flush down paper towels or other heavy matter.
Don't use chemical compounds or septic tank cleaners. They do not improve the bacterial decomposition and may actually hinder it.
Don't use large amounts of laundry soaps, detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, etc., as the recommended quantities should not adversely affect the system. Liquid soap is best.
Don't discharge any water treatment into septic system.
(Please contact the Connecticut D.E.P. at (860) 424-3018)
Do not flush the
following:
The following items can overtax or
destroy the biological digestion taking place
within the system or clog pumps and pipes.
Baby wipes
Hair combings
Coffee grounds
Dental floss
Food wrappers
Disposable diapers
Cat litter
Feminine products
Cigarette butts
Latex products
Gauze bandages
Fat, grease, or oil (from cooking)
Paper towels
Excessive amounts of bleach
Excessive garbage disposal waste
Hazardous materials
Other heavy materials
and NEVER flush
chemicals that could contaminate surface and groundwater, such as:
Paints
Varnishes
Thinners
Waste oils
Photographic solutions
Pesticides
Do keep trees and brush at least 15' away from your septic system to keep root systems from restricting flow.
Do educate your family as to proper use of the system
Do check for faucet leaks; it is estimated that one leaky faucet can waste as much as 700 gallons of water a year.
Do set up and adhere to a sound system of inspection and cleaning.
Do install risers if needed. If the tank is more than a foot below ground level, simplify inspection and cleaning by installing a riser/manhole just below ground level. Most recently installed tanks that are just six to twelve inches below ground would not need a riser.
Do use boiling water or drain snake to open clogs.
Do minimize use with garbage disposals.
Do keep accurate records pertaining to location and cleaning of the system in your permanent house file so that this information can be passed on to the next owner.
