Dos:

1. Inspect your septic tank annually.
2. Do these to reduce household water usage:
3. Direct water from downspouts and roofs away from the drainfield.
4. Keep cars and trucks off the septic tank and drainfield areas.

5. Use phosphate-free detergent.
6. Keep your sandfilter carefully weeded.
Dont's
6. Don't use septic tank additives or "miracle" system cleaners.
7. Don't dispose of water from hot tubs into the on-site sewage system.
8. Don't flush solid wastes into the onsite sewage system.
9. Don't put strong chemicals, such as cleaning products, down the drain.
10. Don't construct patios, carports, or use landscaping plastic over the drainfield.

Explanation:

1. Inspect your septic tank annually.     Top
Generally, septic tanks should be pumped every three to five years. Inspection, by you or a professional, may show that you need to pump more or less often. Regular pumping ensures that solids will not flow from the septic tank into the drain field. Solids can destroy the drainfield, and pumping will not bring a failed drainfield back to life.
2. Do these to reduce household water usage:     Top
*Use water-saving bathrooms and kitchen fixtures (faucets, showers, toilets).

*Run and drain appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, one at a time.

*Spread laundry over the entire week and avoid partial loads.

*Fix all faucet and toilet leaks properly.
3. Direct water from downspouts and roofs away from the drainfield.     Top
Water from these sources can cause the drainfield to work improperly.
4. Keep cars and trucks off the septic tank and drainfield areas.     Top
This prevents pipes from breaking and soil from becoming compacted. Compacted soils do not readily absorb water from the drainfield.
5. Use phosphate-free detergent.     Top
Phosphate-free detergents help prevent algae problems in nearby ponds, lakes & streams.
6. Keep your sandfilter carefully weeded.    Top
Thick plant cover can block air circulation throughout the sandfilter media. Sandfilters depend on the activity of aerobic bacteria, which require oxygen to thrive.
Don'ts
6. Don't use septic tank additives or "miracle" system cleaners.     Top
Some of these chemicals can actually harm the on-site sewage system by allowing solids to flow into and clog the drainfield. Chemical additives can also contaminate ground and surface water.
7. Don't dispose of water from hot tubs into the on-site sewage system.     Top
The large amount of water is harmful to the system, and the chlorine can destroy important bacteria in the system. Drain hot tubs onto the ground, away from the drainfield and not into a storm drain.
8. Don't flush solid wastes into the onsite sewage system.     Top
These include diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms, and grease.
9. Don't put strong chemicals, such as cleaning products, down the drain.     Top
Household chemicals such as drain cleaners, paint and paint thinners, floor and sink cleaners and excessive amounts of bleach can destroy important bacteria in the septic tank and contaminate ground and surface water.
10. Don't construct patios, carports, or use landscaping plastic over the drainfield.     Top
Grass is the best cover for the septic tank and drainfield. Soil compaction and paving prevents oxygen from getting into the soil. This oxygen is needed by bacteria to break down or treat sewage.