Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Disposal Guidelines: There are a number of do’s and don’ts that will help ensure a long life and minimal maintenance for your system. As a general rule, nothing should be disposed into any wastewater system that hasn’t been ingested, other than toilet tissue, mild detergents, and wash water. Here are some additional guidelines. Don’t flush dangerous and damaging substances into your wastewater treatment system. Specifically do not flush pharmaceuticals, egg shells, cantaloupe seeds, gum, coffee grounds, excessive amounts of bath or body oils, water softener backwash, flammable or toxic products, household cleaners, especially floor wax and rug cleaners, pesticides, herbicides, agricultural chemicals, or fertilizers, chlorine bleach, chlorides, and pool or spa products. Don’t use special additives that are touted to enhance the performance of you tank or system. The natural microorganisms that grow in your system generate their own enzymes that are sufficient for breaking down and digesting nutrients in the wastewater.