Septic Tank Maintenance & System Services Tips
Advice to home owners
For the on-site wastewater system to work well there are some good habits to encourage and some bad habits to avoid.
1. In order to reduce sludge build up in the tank
- Scrape all dishes to remove fats, grease, etc before washing
- Keep all possible solids out of the system
- Do not use a garbage grinder unless the system has been specifically designed to carry the extra load
- Do not put sanitary napkins and other hygiene products into the system
2. In order to keep bacteria working in the tank and in the land application area
- Use biodegradable soaps
- Use a low phosphorus detergent
- Use a low sodium detergent in dispersive soil area
- Use detergents in recommended quantities
- Don't use powerful bleaches, whiteners, nappy soakers, spot removers or disinfectants
- Don't put chemicals or paints down the drain
3. Conserving water will reduce the volume of effluent that requires disposal to the land application area
- Installation of water saving fittings
- Taking showers instead of baths
- Only washing clothes when there is a full load
- Only using the dishwasher when there is a full load
4. Avoid overloading the system by spacing out water use evenly as possible
