Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your septic system is important to prolong the life of your system and prevent other problems from occurring.

The following tips will help keep your septic system in proper working condition, preventing environmental pollution and potentially expensive problems.

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DO

  • Pump your septic tank on a regular basis. The Health Department recommends every 3 - 4 years, depending on the size of your family and whether or not you use a garbage disposal, water softener, or whirlpool.
  • Conserve water as much as possible. For example, try to avoid letting water run while washing hands and brushing teeth. Avoid taking long showers.
  • Consider installing water-saving devices in faucets and shower-heads.
  • Repair any leaking faucets or running toilets, and use washing machines and dishwashers only when full.
  • Divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps, away from the septic system.
  • If your septic tank has an effluent filter over the outlet end of the tank, pull it periodically and spray it off with a garden hose. Failure to clean it on a regular basis may result in water surfacing over your tank or a back up in your house. Home owner is responsible for the maintenance of the filter unless Miene Septic is asked to provide this service. This filter can add years to your septic system. (Call Miene Septic if you have questions about this).
  • If at all possible, reroute your water softener to a separate tile so it does not regenerate into the septic system. However, no water softener should ever discharge into an AdvanTex septic system.

DO NOT

  • Do not put grease, coffee grounds or egg shells down a garbage disposal
  • Do not use powdered laundry detergents - they contain clay and fillers; do not use liquid fabric softener in the washing machine; rather use dryer sheets
  • Do not flush tampons, wipes, kitty litter, tissues, cigarette butts, condoms, disposable diapers, paints, varnishes, thinners, waste oil, pesticides, etc.
  • Do not do all of your laundry on one day or only on the weekend - space out your water usage over the entire week
  • Do not drive heavy equipment or vehicles over your system
  • Do not dig in your drain field or build anything over it or your tank such as a patio or driveway. Know where your system is located. The area over the drain field should have only a grass cover. The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.
  • Do not change any landscaping unless you are sure it will not divert water to your tank or drain field.
  • Do not plant water-seeking trees (such as willow, birch, or soft maple) too near your drain field as their roots will invade it and cause problems over time.
  • Do not allow dry wall workers or painters to rinse their buckets or brushes in the house; rather, have them go outside and rinse with a garden hose.
  • Do not use gel packs for dishwashing or laundry.