Guidelines for a Healthy Septic System By following a few simple rules, you won’t have to think about your system on a day-to-day basis. Indeed, with proper use, conventional onsite systems can operate for years without any trouble. Maintenance begins with sound water use and waste disposal habits. Since your family will determine which materials enter the system, we encourage you to set rules and stick to them. Here is a partial list of the items to keep OUT of your system. Do not introduce any of the following: Grease or cooking oils Disposable diapers Feminine hygiene products Any latex products Paper towels Plastics Cat litter Latex paint, pesticides, or any hazardous chemicals Many homes have garbage disposals to help manage vegetable and other food waste. Excessive use of your garbage disposal may introduce a high level of unwanted solids into your system. Use disposals moderately and consider composting as an option to handle vegetable waste. Do not put too much water into the septic system. Excess water puts too much strain on the decomposition process and can cause problems. Maximum water use should be about 120 gallons per bedroom daily.  Estimate by using the following numbers per person so you can keep track: Shower: 2.5 gallons per minute – 10 minute shower = 25 gallons Toilet: 2 gallons per flush (for toilets bought in the last 20 years) Washing machine: 40 gallons per load Dishwasher cycle: 10 gallons With large families, keeping track of water use can be hard. But laying down guidelines can help everyone do their part. Also consider getting energy and water-wise appliances when you need to replace your current models.  Visit www.energystar.gov/ for suggestions. Be aware that your system is sized to handle the number of people anticipated to be using it when it was installed. If that number increases, you may need a larger system. Do not use harsh drain openers for a clogged drain. The best alternative to conventional, caustic drain openers is to use boiling water or a drain snake to clear clogs.  Though this approach may be a little messier, the chemicals in drain cleaners can cause havoc with your septic system. Use mild or natural cleaners for your bathroom and kitchen. They should either be okayed for use in septic systems or marked biodegradable.  Be aware that bleaches and antibacterial soaps can inhibit the enzymatic action necessary to help bacteria break down the solids in the tank. Again, harsh chemicals can cause expensive and unpleasant problems in your system.  If you use or intend to use a water softener in the home, let your installer or maintenance contractor know. You may need to install a separate drain.  Contact us for recommendations. Have the solids pumped out of the septic tank on a regular basis. Your installer, a recommended and licensed septic pumping contractor or your local health department can give you guidelines. Remember, more sophisticated systems may require additional maintenance. So always ask your installer for details before he starts excavating.