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How Do I as a System Owner Properly Care for my Septic System?
Conventional on-site septic systems can function very well with minimal care. In fact, most septic tanks will only
require an inspection and pumping out by a professional every three to five years if they ale used properly. This does not
pertain to I/A. systems, which need more frequent oversight.
DO... DON'T...
have the system inspected and pumped every 3 to 5
rs. If the tank fills up with an excess of solids, the
tewater will not have enough time to settle in the
:. These excess solids will then pass on to the leach
i, where they will clog the drain lines and soil.
know the location of the septic system and drain
1, and keep a record of all inspections, pumpings,
tirs, contract or engineering work for future
rences. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits.
grow grass or small plants (not trees or shrubs) above
septic system to hold the drain field in place. Water
nservation through creative landscaping is a great way
control excess runoff.
Do not use your toilet or sink as a trash can by dumping
non-biodegradables (cigarette butts, diapers, feminine
products, etc.) or grease down your sink or toilet. Non-
biodegradables can clog the pipes, while grease can
thicken and clog the pipes. Store cooking oils, fats, and
grease in a can for disposal in the garbage.
not put paint thinner, polyurethane, anti -freeze,
`icides, some dyes, disinfectants, water softeners, and
;r strong chemicals into the system. These can cause
or upsets in the septic tank by killing the biological
of your septic system and polluting the groundwater.
ill amounts of standard household cleaners, drain
risers, detergents, etc. will be diluted in the tank and
tld cause no damage to the system -
not use a garbage grinder or disposal, which feeds
the septic tank. If you do have one in the house,
,rely limit its use. Adding food wastes or other solids
ices your system's capacity and increases the need to
ip the on-site tank. If you use a grinder, the system
I be pumped more often
F
ll water-conservingdevices in faucets, Do not plant trees within 30 feet of your system or
eads and toilets to reduce the volume of water park/drive over any part of the system. Tree roots will
into the on-site system. Repair dripping faucets clog your pipes, and heavy vehicles may cause your
ing toilets, run washing machines and drainfield to collapse.
dishwashers only when full, and avoid long showers.
Do divert roof drains and surface water from driveways Do not allow anyone to repair or pump your system
and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump without first checking that they are licensed system
pumps and house footing drains away from the system as professionals.
well.
take leftover hazardous chemicals to your approved
ardous waste collection center for disposal. Use
ich, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners
•ingly and in accordance with product labels.
use only septic system additives that have been
wed for usage in Massachusetts by DEP. Additives
are allowed for use in Massachusetts have been
=fined not to produce a harmful effect to the
vidual system or its components or to the
ironment at lame.
not perform excessive laundry loads with your
thing machine. Doing load after load does not allow
r septic tank time to adequately treat wastes and
rwhelms the entire system with excess wastewater.
i could therefore be flooding your drain field without
wing sufficient recovery time. You should consult
r tank._professional to determine the gallon capacity
number of loads per day that can safely go into the
not use chemical solvents to clean the plumbing or
tic system. "Miracle" chemicals will kill
roorganisms that consume harmful wastes. These
iucts can also cause groundwater contamination.
http://209.85.165.104/search?q=cache:0 SxS WhzZovAJ: Www.mass.gov/dep/water/wastew... 1/22/2007