Dos and Don'ts

Protecting your Sewage Disposal System

Do:

• Have your septic tank emptied (pumped) every 3-4 years by a licensed sewage hauler
• Maintain the leaching bed (field bed, disposal bed) as lawn space, keeping shrubs, trees or grass growth to a minimum
• Minimize the water consumption (usage) of your home, use water saving appliances and “low flow” plumbing fixtures
• Consider the addition of a septic tank effluent filter to your septic tank, to prevent solids from entering your leaching bed
   

Don’t:

• Add septic tank additives or specialized treatment powders or chemicals to your septic system
• Dispose of chemicals, paints or other non-organic material in your septic system
• Overload your sewage system by doing all your laundry in one day, or installing high water volume plumbing fixtures such as “fill & drain” Jacuzzi tubs on a septic system
• Plant trees or shrubs near or on top of the leaching bed, as the roots of these plants may plug the leaching pipes
• Locate animal runs or buildings on top of the leaching bed, as this type of activity may compact the soil of the leaching bed, and cause premature failure of the system
• Be afraid to contact your local health unit or sewage disposal system specialist for information on any condition which might indicate problems have or are developing with your sewage system