Staying Out of Trouble With the Tank

To avoid problems with your septic system:

Never look into or lean over an open septic tank without proper precautions. The escaping toxic gases can kill within minutes.

Have the system professionally inspected every two years. With normal use, the septic tank should be pumped out at least every three years.

Make sure all inspection ports are accessible, but allow the tank to be pumped from the manhole-size opening only, not the smaller pipes.

Do not use a garbage disposal, but if you must, pump out the septic tank every one to two years.

Do not plant trees or bushes over the drain field. Their roots can clog the system.

Install inspection ports at the end of drain field trenches. They will help you pinpoint potential problems.

Do not build sheds, patios, pools or other structures over the drain field.

Do not drive or park cars, boats or recreational vehicles over the drain field. That can compact the soil so much that it doesn't drain properly.

Use water-conservation measures in showers and toilets. Fix leaking faucets.

Wash laundry over several days rather than doing a large number of loads in one day.

Avoid powdered detergents for laundry and dishwashing.

Arrange for hot tub, sump pump and pool drainage, as well as runoff from gutters, to go somewhere other than the septic field.

Have an effluent filter put on the exit baffle of your septic tank to minimize the chance of solids being pushed into the drain field.

Everything you flush or pour down the drain ends up in your septic tank, the drain field or local well water. So dispose of these elsewhere: Grease, oil, paint, insecticides, harsh chemicals, poisons, tampons, condoms, paper towels, facial tissues, candy wrappers, kitty litter, cigarette butts, dental floss, food scraps, coffee grounds and eggshells. And let your house guests know that you're on a septic system.