Do's

Do have your tank inspected annually and pumped when necessary, 2 to 3 years -longer in some cases..

Hire a permitted and insured septic-pumping contractor to test the tank annually, and have the sludge pumped out as often as necessary. If you neglect to do this, the sludge will build up, reducing the capacity of the tank and eventually causing sludge to leak into the drain field, which is a serious problem.

Do keep a record of pumping, inspections and other maintenance.

Install a quality lint filter on washing machine drains.

Do practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets, avoid long showers and use water-saving features in faucets, showerheads and toilets. (1440 minutes in 24 hours)

Have the septic-pumping contractor also perform a visual inspection for damage or potential problems. Workers pumping the tank should check the alarm, baffles, compressor, motor, timer and pump.

If your putting in a swimming pool, keep at least 15 feet away from the drain field.

Do learn the location of your septic system and drainfield. Keep a sketch off it handy for service visits. In most cases the County Health Department can give you a copy of your site diagram, keep it on file.

Do divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well.

Do take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly,

If you have a water softener, be sure to have your septic tank pumped often. The salt from the water softener will kill the bacteria in your septic tank and it will eat away at the baffles and the tank. If you don't keep up with it, you could spend a lot of money on septic tank replacement.

Don'ts

Don't allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the drain field should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.

Don't put chemicals such as paint thinner, insecticides or gasoline down the drains. These will kill the bacteria that break down waste products in the tank. Antibiotics are bad, they kill essential bacteria.

Do not send nondegradable items, such as sanitary pads, plastic or rubber, down the drain.

Don't make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed.

Don't use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.

Do not plant trees above or near a septic tank or drain field, the roots could interfere with the system. Plant only grass and flowers .

Don't use your toilet or drains as a trash can by dumping nondegradables down them. Also, don't poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater. Keep the following materials out of your septic system:

Nondegradables: Grease, disposable diapers, baby wipes, feminine hygiene products, plastics, etc.
Poisons: Gasoline, oil, paint, paint thinner, pesticides, antifreeze, antibiotics, etc.