DO make arrangements with a reliable service
person to provide regular monitoring and maintenance of a sand filter,
and pumping of septic tanks.
DO keep accurate maintenance records. They will be valuable if
system problems occur.
DO familiarize yourself with the location of the electrical
control panel and respond to alarm conditions promptly for a sand
filter, or if a pump is used for the OSSD system.
DO remember that the audible alarm can be silenced by pushing the
lighted button directly above the "PUSH TO SILENCE" label on the front
of the electrical control panel.
DO take immediate action to correct the problem in the event of
an alarm condition.
DO practice water conservation. Wash clothes and dishes only when
you have a full load. When possible, avoid several loads in one day. Be
aware that a toilet float hang-up can waste ten times as much water as
you normally use.
DO keep an "as-built" system and the Certificate of Satisfactory
Completion in a safe place for reference.
DON'T flush trash or chemicals. Flushing
flammable and toxic products is dangerous, while other materials such as
paper towels, cigarettes, coffee grounds, egg shells, large amounts of
hair, and cooking grease can be harmful to your system.
DON'T dump recreational vehicle (RV) waste into your septic tank.
The system is designed for your residence flow and may not be able to
handle the extra solids load. RV waste may also contain chemicals that
are toxic or that may hamper the biological activity in your system.
DON'T use the garbage disposal excessively. A system repeatedly
overloaded with organic solids may plug up and quit working. Compost
scraps or dispose of waste of this type with your trash.
DON'T use special additives that are touted to enhance the
performance of your tank. Additives do not improve the performance of
the septic tank and may, in fact, damage your system. The natural
microorganisms that grow in your digestive system generate their own
enzymes that are sufficient for breaking down and digesting nutrients in
the waste water.
DON'T drive over your tank or an buried pipes. If your system is
in an area subject to possible traffic, consider putting up a fence,
hedge, or other barricade to prevent damage.
DON'T discharge water softener backwash into the septic tank. The
backwash brine contains high levels of chlorides that can destroy
microorganisms.
