Do Your  Part, Be  SepticSmart:
The Do's and Don'ts of Your Septic System
Learn these simple steps to protect your home, health, environment and property value:
                               Protect It and Inspect It:
                               Do:
                                Have your system inspected (in general) every three years by a licensed contractor
                                and have the tank pumped, when necessary, generally every three to five years.
      septicsmart
       U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
                               Think at the Sink:
Don't:
 Pour cooking grease or oil down the
 sink or toilet.
 Rinse coffee grounds into the sink.
 Pour household chemicals down the
 sink or flush them.
Do:
• Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage
 disposal.
• Properly dispose of coffee grounds 8
 food.
• Put grease in a container to harden
 before discarding in the trash.
                               Don't Overload the Commode:
                               Don't:
                               • Flush non-degradable products or
                                chemicals, such as feminine hygiene
                                products, condoms, dental floss,
                                diapers, cigarette butts, cat litter, paper
                                towels, Pharmaceuticals.
                               Shield Your Field:
                                Don't:
                               • Park or drive on your drainfield. The
                                weight can damage the drain lines.
                               • Plant trees or shrubs too close to your
                                drainfield, roots can grow into your
                                system and clog it
                              Do:
                                Dispose of these items in the trash can!
                              Do:
                                Consult a septic service professional to
                                advise you of the proper distance for
                                planting trees and shrubs, depending on
                                your septic tank location.
                               Don't
                               • Concentrate your water use by using
                                your dishwasher, shower, washing
                                machine, and toilet at the same time.
                                All that extra water can really strain
                                your septic system.
                                Stagger the use of water-generating
                                appliances. This can be helpful
                                especially if your system has not been
                                pumped in a long time.
                                Become more water efficient by fixing
                                plumbing leaks and consider installing
                                bathroom and kitchen faucet aerators
                                and water-efficient products.
                             For more SepticSmart tips, visit: www.epa.gov/septicsmart
                                      832-R-13-002 • September 2013

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