Helpful Suggestions for Maintaining your Septic System
- Know where your septic tank is. Check with the town office to see if they have the design on file. If not, our drivers are trained to locate your tank in most instances.
- Do not build any structures, such as decks, patios or other obstructions as built, over any part of your septic system.
- Have your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis. Two years is the recommendation, based on size, usage and number of occupants.
- Septic tank filters should be cleaned annually, at a minimum.
- Do not flush: grease, oil, fat, food scraps, cigarette butts, hair, facial tissues, paper towels, bandages, feminine products, baby wipes (even if they say flushable), cat litter, paint, varnish, medications, pesticides, bleach or harsh chemicals down your toilet. Harsh chemical can erode your septic tank, shortening your septic tank’s life.
- Use liquid detergents rather than powder, and single-ply toilet paper. 2-ply septic safe toilet paper may create septic problems. Avoid using quilted paper products.
- Avoid garbage disposal units, they add unnecessary solids to the septic tank. The increase in solids stored in the tank makes it necessary to empty your tank more frequently. When using a garbage disposal, we recommend you empty your septic tank once a year.
- If your tank cover is below ground, consider having a riser cover installed. A riser allows easy access to your tank, saves you the burden of digging to expose the septic cover or paying a digging fee at every service. It also can be difficult for those times in the winter when its necessary to gain access and the ground is frozen. A riser brings the tank cover to the surface.
- Do not allow anything heavier than your lawn mower to drive over your leach field.
- Do not plant anything over your leach field, root growth could clog your septic pipes.
After your Septic Tank has been Emptied
- We recommend that you add ½ cup or 16 small packets of yeast with 2-3 cups of sugar 1 week after our service to reactivate the bacteria in your tank. Just flush it down the toilet or pour it down any drain. Repeat this every 6 months.
Signs your Septic System May Be Failing
- Your toilets are backing up, drains will not drain, foul odors around the septic tank or leach field, excessive moisture/surface water over the leach field.