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Dos and Don'ts

If you take good care of your system, you will save yourself the time, money and worries involved in replacing a failed system. Failed systems can be hazardous to the environment and your pocketbook. It can degrade water supplies and reduce you property value.

Here are some valuable tips to ensure the longevity of you system:

DO
DON'T

do familiarize yourself with the location of your system

do keep an "as built" system diagram in a safe place for reference

do divert surface water away from your leachng bed

do pump out your tank on a regular basis (3-5 years)

do repair leaky plumbing fixtures

do conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated

do replace old toilets with low-flush models

do keep lint out of your septic system by cleaning the lint filter on your washing machine

do keep the tank access lid secure to the riser all the time

do keep accurate records of septic system maintenance and service calls

 

don't flush hazardous chemicals, cigarette butts or sanitary products

don't use a garbage disposal/garburator

don't plant trees or shrubs too close to the system or leaching bed

don’t use special additives that are touted to enhnace the performance of your tank or system

don’t dig without knowing the location of your septic system

don’t drive over your tank or leaching bed

don’t enter a tank - gases and lack of oxygen can be fatal

don’t connect rain gutters, sotrm drains or allow surface water to drain into a sewage system

don’t leave interior faucets on the protect water lines during cold spells — insluate your fuacets and plumbing

Separation Distances

There are minimum separation distances surrounding your system and other home and yard items. Remembering these distances and planning your lot accordingly will lead to a healthier, longer-lasting system.

Copyright OSSO January 2004