do's and don'ts
The Christopher Bryant Co. LLC
Do’s and Don’ts of Taking Care of Your Septic System
If you’ve recently installed a septic system in your residential or commercial property, please go through the helpful information provided by The Christopher Bryant Co. This page will tell you everything you need to know about taking care of your septic system.
Contact us today to learn more or get help with your septic system care.
Septic System Do’s
- Do spread laundry use over the week rather than many loads on one day.
- Do make a permanent record of where the key parts of your septic system are located for future maintenance (i.e., septic pumping service or field repairs).
- Do have septic pumping service performed regularly.
- Do keep records of septic pumping service and septic system maintenance.
- Do use water-conserving devices where possible. Low-flush toilets and showerheads are commonly available.
- Do have manually cleaned lint traps on your washing machine.
- Do check any pumps, siphons, or other moving parts of your system regularly.
- Do remove or prevent trees with large root systems from growing near the leach field.
- Do keep surface water from upslope or from roof drains away from the leach field.
- Run water regularly in seldom-used drains such as sinks, tubs, and showers to avoid noxious gases from building up and causing odors inside.
Septic System Don’ts
- Don’t overload the septic system with high volumes of water.
- Don’t connect basement sump pumps to the on-site septic system.
- Don’t connect backwash from water treatment devices directly to the on-site septic system.
- Limit the use of a garbage disposal. Chopped-up food particles do not break down in the septic tank and can make their way into your leach field lines, causing clogs.
- Don’t allow large amounts of fats, chemicals, or solvents to enter the septic system; do not allow plastics to enter.
- Don’t allow vehicles or heavy equipment to drive over or park on the leach field. This may compact the soil and crush the piping.
- Don’t plant anything over the leach field except grass. Especially do not cover the septic tank or leach field with asphalt, concrete, or other impermeable materials.
- Above all else — don’t wait for signs of failure. Check the septic system regularly.
Do Not Flush
The best thing to do for your septic system is to be sure not to flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper (preferably 1-ply toilet paper).
Even if items are marked as “septic safe,” do not flush them. Some baby wipes and cat litter may be labeled this way, but they are not good for your septic system because they do not break down properly.
No-Flush List
- Cloth
- Paints
- Tissues
- Poisons
- Thinners
- Tampons
- Varnishes
- Kitty litter
- Pesticides
- Condoms
- Cigarettes
- Waste oils
- Dental floss
- Disinfectants
- Paper towels
- Coffee grounds
- Plastic materials
- Sanitary napkins
- Chemical wastes
- Disposable diapers
- Fats, grease, and oils
- Sump pump discharge
- Photographic chemicals
- Pills and unused medication
- Backwash water from water softeners
Odors
Odors coming from outside the house can be an indication that your septic system is overfull and may need septic pumping service. A vent pipe may also be installed to help release odors from the septic system.
Sometimes, when drains are not used, noxious gases can build up and cause odors. For example, if you have a shower downstairs that gets little use, you may notice occasional odors from that area. Running water regularly in those drains will help keep odors at bay.
Toilets and Slow Drains
Garbage disposals are not recommended with septic systems. Chopped-up food particles from garbage disposals may not fully biodegrade in the septic tank and can enter leach field lines, causing backups and clogs.
Having a filter can help prevent this problem. Filters are placed on the outlet line of your septic tank and help keep hair, grit, grime, and food particles from escaping into your leach field lines and causing issues.
How does a septic system work?
A septic system consists of six main components. First, a house sewer line transports waste to the septic tank. The tank then allows solids to settle while liquids remain. Since 2000, all septic tanks have included outlet baffle filters that need cleaning during tank pumping. Distribution piping then carries effluent from the tank. A liquid distribution box may be used to evenly distribute effluent through the leaching system. Finally, the leaching system, which can include fields, trenches, pits, beds, or galleries, purifies the effluent by filtering it through soil.How often should the septic tank be cleaned?
For an average-sized family of four to five members, septic tanks typically require cleaning every two years. However, larger families or homes with food disposal systems may need more frequent cleaning to maintain optimal system performance.Why do I need to have my septic tank cleaned?
Regular septic tank cleaning is essential to prevent the buildup of undigested material, known as sludge. While bacterial action breaks down some solids, sludge accumulates over time and must be removed. If not pumped out regularly, these solids can reach high levels and be carried into the absorption field, potentially clogging pipes, stone, and surrounding soil.Does the number of bedrooms in the house impact the size of the system I should have?
Indeed, the number of bedrooms does influence the required septic system size. For instance, a 4-5 bedroom house typically requires a 1250-1500 gallon tank. The average water usage is estimated at 60 gallons per person per day. If occupancy exceeds the average for the dwelling size or if the septic tank is smaller than state regulations, biennial cleaning is recommended until experience indicates a longer interval is suitable.What are some of the causes of septic system failure?
Septic system failure can result from several factors. These include neglecting regular inspections and cleanings, lack of understanding about proper system use, and poor soil conditions or inadequate system design and installation.What are the signs of septic failure?
Indicators of septic system failure include noticeable sewage odors, visible sewage discharge on the ground, wet or muddy patches in your lawn, unusually lush green grass, slow-draining fixtures in bathrooms or kitchens, sewage backup into your house, and sewage flowing back from the leach field into the tank, which can be observed during tank cleaning.What can I do to prevent any septic failure?
To prevent septic failure, ensure regular cleaning of your system. Avoid disposing of grease and coffee grounds down drains. Additionally, refrain from flushing items such as diapers, cooking fats, paper towels, cigarette butts, personal wipes, and feminine products down the toilet. These practices help maintain your septic system's efficiency and longevity.What do I do if my septic fails and who do I contact?
In the event of septic failure, first contact your town sanitarian or health officer for guidance, as pumping and cleaning alone may not resolve the issue. Next, reach out to a qualified septic repair company, ensuring they are licensed and well-recommended. We recommend verifying if the contractor is a COWRA member, as these professionals are committed to high standards and stay updated on current methods through continuing education.
