SEPTIC SYSTEM
DO’S AND DON’TS
This advisory from the Board of Health is to educate the public in the proper maintenance of their on-site sewage disposal systems. Septic systems are similar to your house or car, which requires some maintenance on a regular basis.
1 Keep all toxic and hazardous chemicals out of the system.
2 Keep all foreign solids (cat litter, sanitary napkins, cigarette filters, paper towels, etc,) out of the system.
3 Minimize dumping of fats and cooking oils down the drain.
4 Be conservative in water usage. Space out laundry washings. Consider low-flush toilets and low-flow faucets. Fix all leaks promptly.
5 Maintain adequate vegetation over the leaching area of your septic system.
6 Keep surface water away from the tank and the leaching area.
7 Keep heavy vehicles and equipment off parts of the septic system.
8 Have the system inspected on a regular basis. Every two years is recommended and pump as necessary.
9 Keep plans and maps of the location of the septic system on hand.
10 Garbage grinders are not permitted unless the septic system has been designed for that use. Typically when using a garbage grinder the leaching facility is designed an additional 50% the normal size. We recommend composting garbage and yard waste.
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