The Do's and Don'ts of Septic Systems

• Do not add bacterial additives to your system.
• Continue to operate the Aerobic Recovery Unit™ as prescribed. Just because your system performance has improved dramatically do not assume the problem is fixed!
• Depending on the degree of deterioration of the DrainField, it may be necessary to have your Septic Tank or Cesspool pumped during the early stages of the recovery process until enough recovery has been done to handle daily flow rates.
• Repair leaking fixtures: A leaking faucet or flapper valve in the toilet can flood your septic system with hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water per day.
• Do not use flush activated toilet bowl tablets or cleaners as these products contain high amounts of chlorine bleach that kills the bacteria in the septic tank.
• Install an approved effluent filter in the outlet pipe of the septic tank, if possible.
• Install water conserving fixtures e.g. shower heads, faucets, and toilets.
• Install lint traps or filters on clothes washing equipment.
• Implement a water conservation plan to be used during and after the recovery process.
• Education with regards to preferred household chemicals. Some chemicals can upset the delicate biological bacteria action of the septic system. Others can clog the system.
• Minimize the amount of wastes that are washed down the kitchen drain.
• Use the garbage can for items such as caustic soda, acids, copper sulfate, chemical cleaners, paint thinner, latex or oil based paint, solvents, waxes, polishes, pesticides, poisons, fuels, motor oil, hazardous wastes, filter tip cigarettes, sanitary napkins, all feminine products, paper towels, rags, plastic objects or disposable diapers. All of these items cannot or are very difficult for the bacteria to break down.
• Discharge your water softener and iron filter to another suitable location per your local codes and ordinances.
• Route your downspouts away from the Drainfield, Seepage Pit or Drywell.
• Do not plant trees or shrubs above the Drainfield, Seepage Pit or Drywell. The roots of the plantings will grow into the Drainfield, Seepage Pit or Drywell.
• Keep heavy vehicles off of the Drainfield, Seepage Pit or Drywell. The heavy vehicles not only compact the soils but also can crush the perforated laterals of the absorption component. The compacted soil is less permeable than loose soil.
• Do not dump Recreational Vehicle (RV) holding tank waste into your septic tank. This produces a large surge of sewage to the system and will most likely force untreated effluent out of the septic tank into the distribution component. Also, most RV owners use some type of odor control chemicals. These are usually blue liquids or tablets. These odor control chemicals are disinfectants to kill the odor causing anaerobic bacteria in the waste. When the disinfected waste is dumped into the septic tank it kills the bacteria in the system.
• Exercise patience. Your system developed problems over many years and it will take time to reverse and eliminate the effects of the anaerobic process.