Do's and Dont's

Do’s and Don’ts” of Maintaining Your Septic System

Clogged Septic Tank — Sutter Creek, CA — Sweet Pea Septic

Today over 50 million people in the United States rely on the “septic tank-leach field” wastewater management system. Approximately one-half of these septic systems have extremely high failure rates due to poor design, poor construction, or inadequate maintenance (regular pumping/cleaning).

Our goal is to familiarize you with the “septic tank-leach field” wastewater disposal system and to help your system last longer. The purpose of a septic tank is to remove greases, soaps, and solids from household wastewater before it enters the leach field, where it is absorbed into the ground. 

The purpose of the leach field is to absorb and filter all household wastewater after the septic tank has separated and removed the solids. If the tank is not pumping periodically, approximately every three to five years, the tank can fill with solids which, in turn, flow to the leach field causing the leach field to clog and eventually fail. 

Following these rules will help your system last longer and reduce your need for tank pumping to a minimum.

DO minimize the liquid load and conserve water, especially during the winter and spring months when the ground water levels are high

DO use biodegradable soaps, detergents, and toilet paper

DO minimize or eliminate the use of garbage grinders or disposals. This appliance adds extra solids and water to the system. 

DO collect grease in containers rather than pouring it down the drain. 

DO check your house for water leaks (i.e. toilets, sinks, etc.). Continuous water running into the system can saturate the leach field. 

DO pump and clean your septic tank on a regular basis – approximately every three to five years. 

DON’T use excessive amounts of household chemicals as they can kill the bacteria in the septic tank. 

DON’T flush non-biodegradable items into the septic tank; paper towels, cigar and cigarette butts, Band-Aids, grease, fat, paint, disposable, diapers, cat litter, sanitary napkins, tampons, Kleenex, rags, etc.

DON’T connect roof or yard drains to septic tank or leach field.

DON’T plant tree close to your leach field. The roots can clog the leach pipes. 

DON’T plant vegetation which requires excessive amounts of water over the leach field. This can flood the leach field. 

Drive over leach field. Heavy objects on the leach field can compact soil and crush the leach pipes.

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