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:

  1. Inspect your system annually and pump your tank every 3-5 years or as needed depending on your household size.
  2. Conserve water, the less water you use the less strain there is on your system.
  3. Keep traffic off your drain field.
  4. Keep all runoff water from your drain field and septic system.
  5. Keep accurate records and set a calendar reminder to have your system serviced.

Don’t:

  1.  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.
  2.  Use septic tank additives.
  3.  Plant trees or shrubs near your septic system or drain field.
  4.  Ever under any circumstances enter your septic tank.
  5.  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