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6. Do install faucet aerators or other water saving devices on all sinks. You can
also cut down on sink water by turning down the valves under the sink to
lower gallons per minute coming out of the faucet.
7. Do put a water-displacing device (bag, brick, plastic water bottle) in your toilet
tank to save water by reducing flush volume. Or bend the float arm downward
to lower the amount of water needed to fill the reservoir. Or, consider
replacing older toilets with new low-flush models.
8. Do be aware that a simple toilet float can hang up and result in
thousands of gallons of wasted water per day into the system and
quickly kill it.
9. Do check to make sure your toilet tank isn't leaking into the bowl. You can
place 5 drops of food coloring in the tank. Wait a few hours to see if the color
is showing up in the bowl below, and repair or replace the toilet if it is.
10. Do clean the lint filter on the washing machine (if you have one) at least as
often as the manufacturer recommends. This usually takes less than a
minute. Lint can cause your drainfield to plug up resulting in a costly failure. If
your washer doesn't have a lint filter, consider installing one. They usually
retrofit onto the end of the discharge hose .
11. Do use liquid, phosphate-free laundry detergent and no more than the
recommended amount. Phosphate-free detergents help keep your drainfield
critters from being overfed and help prevent algae
problems in nearby lakes and streams.
12. Do reduce the discharge of greases
and oils. Scrape dishes, pots and
plates and be sure to remove all
grease. Wipe with paper towels if
necessary (not wash rags). Place
grease in trash NOT DOWN THE
SINK.
13. Do compost your food wastes or put
them in the trash. Compost bins are
available at your local home & garden
store.
14. Do be aware that medications used in the house can have an adverse effect
on the system. Long term use of antibiotics and chemotherapy kill bacteria in
your tank. Have your system inspected more frequently and consult with a
maintenance professional to work on a solution. Some HMO's have an
disposal drop-off for un-used medications.
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