Do's and Don'ts

BEFORE YOUR SEPTIC IS A WRECK, CALL ALL SEPTIC CHECK!

DO - Learn the location of your septic tank(s) & drain fields, or if aerobic system, your aerobic treatment unit(s), & subsurface fields & important components.

DO - Know that there is not a “magic solution” that you can pour down your toilet
       or put in your septic system that makes all your septic problems      disappear & go away.

DO - Have your septic tank(s) pumped out on average every 2 – 3 years by a registered pumper.

DO - Have your septic system inspected every year, or 3-4 times per year for aerobic systems.

DO - Maintain a “contract service agreement” by a Registered Maintenance Provider on aerobic systems.

DO - Have records, diagram, maintenance of your septic for your convenience and incase you need septic service of any kind.

DO - Divert water AWAY from your septic system.  (roof drains, surface water, flowing down driveways, hillsides, landscape berms,  swimming pools)

DO - Know when to call a licensed OSSF Installer for service. (See All Septic Check membership services septic 101)

DO - Know, if you have an aerobic system and just moved in, who your maintenance provider is and their phone number.

DO - Know and get informed when buying or selling a home or property, what company did the septic system inspection, pump out, and or repairs on the septic system.

DO - Know that anyone can claim to be a “Septic Inspector”. Septic inspections for real- estate resales are not regulated by any governing authority, there-fore make an informed decision on the details of the septic system inspection process.  (i.e. the credentials of the company performing the inspection, along with copies of inspection reports etc.)  Was it a thorough inspection by a experienced qualified “Registered Sanitarian,” Licensed II Installer, or a Registered Site Evaluator” or was the inspection done by anybody that just works for the septic company? Note:  See All Septic Check Inspections page.

DO - Know what all a septic system inspection should consist of.  Note: See All Septic Check Inspections page.

DO - Call a licensed septic service company when your alarm light comes on; First check your breaker box, and then make sure your pump is still plugged in. Note: For aerobic systems there are usually 2 alarms.  High water and aerator alarm.

DON’T - Allow anyone to drive, park, build a driveway, deck, porch, or structured foundation on any area of your septic system.

DON’T - Allow tree roots to grow in or near the septic system.

DON’T - Allow baby wipes, pharmaceutical drugs, femine products, paint, grease, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, harmful chemicals, chewing gum, non-biodegradable material in your septic system.

DON’T - Use “swimming pool” chlorine tablets in your aerobic systems.

DON’T - “Think out of site out of mind." Know that septic systems need care and maintenance.

DON’T - Plant trees near your septic system. Trees or shrubs might clog the drain fields with roots and even grow into your tanks.

DON’T - Subject yourself to an electrical shock by working on your own pumps, alarms, aerators or electrical equipment.  If you’re unsure, don’t take chances with your life or the life of others.

DON’T - Let your septic systems condition create a public Health hazard.

DON’T - Allow water softener to backflush into your system.

DON’T - Use your garbage disposal excessively if possible, if you have a septic system.

DON’T - Have leaky faucets or toilets. Water going into a septic system 24/7 is one of the most common causes of failure.

DON’T - Neglect your septic system.  You will pay way more in the long run if you do.

DON’T - Misunderstand what a septic systems “Maintenance Providers” job is. It should be called a “Monitoring Provider” because the Maintenance Providers  job is to INSPECT the septic every 4 months and send a REPORT to your counties Health Department or licensing authority.