Did you know the average household with two bathrooms and three occupants will produce over 85,000 gallons of wastewater annually? That is an average of 250-300 gallons per day!
Proper maintenance will extend the life of your septic system, save you money, and protect water quality. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help keep your system running efficiently.
Do:
- Inspect your system annually and pump your tank every 3-5 years or as needed depending on your household size.
- Conserve water, the less water you use the less strain there is on your system.
- Keep traffic off your drain field.
- Keep all runoff water from your drain field and septic system.
- Keep accurate records and set a calendar reminder to have your system serviced.
Don’t:
- Flush and/or rinse the following items down your toilet, sink or garbage disposal: Fat, grease, motor oil, fuel, disposable diapers, paints, chemicals, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, flush-able wipes, condoms, coffee grounds, egg shells, nut shells, cigarette filters and other items you might think twice about probably shouldn’t be entering your system.
- Use septic tank additives.
- Plant trees or shrubs near your septic system or drain field.
- Ever under any circumstances enter your septic tank.
- Overuse your garbage disposal with pieces of waxy vegetables, solid foods, and other items that can clog you pipes and enter your system.
If you have any questions check with a Drain-Pro, Inc. expert by calling one of our three locations.
Washington: 253.926.5586
Oregon: 503.668.3000