Do's and Don'ts when maintaining your septic system - Totally Clear Septic Solutions - Annual Service Agreements Starting @ $225

Do's:

Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system

• Routine maintenance can lengthen the life of your septic system. Contact a certified licensed On-site System Maintainer to inspect and monitor your system with the frequency that your septic system needs & the state requires
  

Pump your septic tank as needed

• How often you pump depends on how you use your system. Having us test your sludge level yearly will give you a great indicater of when to have your sysytem pumped.
  

Keep your septic tank lids water tight, closed and secured

• A lid that is open or not screwed shut is a safety hazard! People can fall into tanks that are not secured. Make sure tank access lids are not cracked or deteriorated and water tight to prevent groundwater & rainwater from entering your system.
  

Direct water from land and roof drains away from the spray field/drainfield

• This additional water may prevent the spray field/drainfield from working properly, possibly causing soggy areas.
  

Landscape with love

• Grass is the best cover for your septic tank and spray field or drainfield. Other plants with shallow root systems can also be used for landscaping.
  

Keep septic tank lids easily accessible

• Have "risers" installed to make septic tank pumping and monitoring visits easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming. A "riser" also makes pumping and monitoring cause less mess and disruption in your yard as well as help prevent rainwater/flooding waters from overwhelming your system.
  

Dont's

Flush anything except toilet paper into your septic system

• Do not flush cleaning wipes, baby wipes, facial tissue, personal care products, or paper towels. Even wipes that are labeled flushable or septic safe belong in the trash can.
  

Put household chemicals down the drain

• Chemicals destroy bacteria in your system that are necessary to break down solids.
  

• Long-term use of medications, such as antibiotics, may also destroy important bacteria in your septic tank and drainfield.
  

Park cars and trucks on your drainfield, reserve area, or septic tank

• In addition, keep patios, carports, decks, storage sheds, sports courts, landscaping plastic, and grazing animals off the drainfield and drainfield reserve areas. This will prevent soils from being packed down and pipes from breaking.
  

Use septic tank additives

• These products may be harmful by adding extra solids to the system that can clog your drainfield. The chemicals can also pollute groundwater and surface water.
  

Drain water from hot tubs into your septic system

• Large volumes of water can 'drown' your system, and chlorine can destroy important bacteria in your septic system and drainfield. Drain hot tubs away from the system, especially the drainfield.