Do these things

Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.

Fix leaky faucets and toilets.

Install low-flow toilets

Spread laundry throughout the week.

Reduce the discharge of greases and oils. Scrape plates before washing.

Reduce solids that o to the septic tank; limit the use of a kitchen garbage disposal.

Compost your garbage or put in trash.

Learn your system component locations.

Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your drainfield.

Protect your tank and drainfield from damage.

Create a landscape suitable for your system.

Use phosphate-free detergents.

Have your septic tank pumped regularly and checked for leaks and cracks.

Only discharge biodegradable wastes into the system.

Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping.

Call a professional when you have problems.

Don’t use a garbage disposal.

… dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides, or poisons down the drain which can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate the groundwater.

… use large quantities of acids, bases, or oxidizers to “treat” or “clean” a septic tank.

… use additives. Most don’t work, and those that do tend to push solids toward the drainfield.

… drain a hottub into the system.

… dig in your drainfield or build anything over it.

… plant anything over the drainfield except grass.

… build any property drains or fix any wet spots without completely knowing how a drain might affect your system.

… drive over your drainfield or compact the soil in any way.

… repair without permits.

… flush these or other non-biodegradeable products:

Coffee grounds        Tampons

Kitty litter                Fats, grease, or oils

Cigarette butts         Wrapping paper

Paper towels            Newspaper

Dental floss             Plastics

Sanitary napkins       Cotton swabs

Disposable diapers    Condoms