Septic System Guidelines

A modern septic system leach field can last twenty years or more is you and your family:

• Minimize the use of the garbage disposal
• Do not put grease down drains
• Spread loads of laundry out over time rather than doing multiple loads in a short period of time, and use liquid detergents rather than powdered detergents
• Avoid excessively long showers
• Avoid leaving tap water running when shaving, brushing teeth or doing other personal or household tasks
• Do not flush medications, harmful chemicals, excessive amounts of bleach, harsh drain cleaners or degreasers
• Have the septic tank pumped at least every three years
• Do not add any septic systems cleaners, enzymes or additives
• Remove water conditioning backwash discharges from the spetic system
• Do not plant trees and shrubs over leach fields
• Do not flush personal products, paper towels, wipes or diapers
• Do not clean or rinse paint brushes in the sinks
• Equip all hot tubs, spas, whirlpool baths, etc., with drain liniting valves that will only allow five gallons per minute to drain from fixture
• Do not drive vehicles over leach fields

Not adhering to these guidelines can dramatically reduce the life of the leach field and will probably cause it to fail prematurely.

Common septic system issues

Our septic system assessment includes identifying if any of the issues below are present in your system.