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flow from the septic tank into the drainfield. Solids can destroy the drainfield,
and pumping will not bring a failed drainfield back to life.
26. Do have your entire system checked regularly. Pumpers often only check the
tank. A licensed Operation and Maintenance (O&M) provider can thoroughly
inspect your entire system to see if it's working properly. A list of licensed
O&M providers is available by calling the Health Department.
27. Do call an expert when you think you may have problems. Although some
major malfunctions may require complete drainfield replacement, many
problems can be corrected with a minimum amount of cost and effort.
28. Do familiarize yourself with the location of the system alarm & control panel
and respond to alarm conditions promptly. Ignoring repeated alarms is a
recipe for disaster. See page 25 for more information on alarms.
29. Do remember that the audible alarm can be silenced by pushing the lighted
button, lever, etc., usually labeled "PUSH TO SILENCE" and on the front or
side of the electrical control panel. However, don't just silence and ignore.
30. Do remember: most alarms are caused by water over-use in the house, or
leaky tanks taking in groundwater in the winter. In the house, cut back water
use until the alarm clears. Call a septic installer to fix leaky tanks.
Septic System Do's and Don'ts
D
ON'TS
1. Don't do more than one or two loads of laundry a day if possible.
2. Don't drain a bath, take a shower, wash clothes, wash dishes, etc. at the
same time. Large amounts of water entering the system in a short time
can disrupt the tank and wash solids into the drainfield.
3. Don't allow leaky fixtures to drip. The extra water adds up quickly and
overloads your system.
4. Don't use a garbage disposal. If you have a garbage disposal, consider
getting rid of it or use as rarely as possible. A septic system repeatedly
overloaded with organic solids may plug up and quit working. Compost
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