Septic Do's and Don'ts
Do use toilet paper recommended for septic systems.
Do spread clothes washing over several days, don’t save the dirty clothes and wash them all on one day. This may overload the system.
Do conserve household water. This reduces water flow through the treatment system, allows for longer retention time in the tank, and reduces the amount of water to dissipate.
Do follow these tips:
Repair all leaks. A leaky toilet can waste 200 gallons per day. To detect leaks in the toilet, add food coloring to the tank water. If the colored water appears in the bowl, the toilet is leaking. Fixing a leaky hot water faucet not only saves water, it also saves the expense of heating water that is going to waste.
Install ultra-low flow toilets, or place a plastic container filled with water or gravel in the tank of your conventional toilet. Be sure it does not interfere with operation of the toilet's flush mechanisms.
Install low-flow aerators and showerheads.
Consider purchasing a high efficiency washing machine which can save over 50% in water and energy use.
Consider installing an instant water heater on your kitchen sink to avoid running water until the hot water arrives.
Insulate hot water pipes to minimize running water until the hot water arrives.
Never use your toilet as a waste basket.
Do not let the water run while shaving or brushing teeth.
Take short showers instead of tub baths. Turn off the water flow while soaping or shampooing.
If you must use a tub, close the drain before turning on the water and fill the tub only half full.
Bathe small children together.
Keep drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.
Operate the dishwasher only when completely full.
Use the appropriate water level or load size selection on the washing machine.
Minimize use of the garbage disposal.
Do Use liquid laundry detergents. Some bulk, packaged powdered detergents contain inert filler material that may plug drain field trenches. Check the ingredient label for these inert fillers.
Do Pump the septic tank more often if a garbage disposal is used. Pump septic tanks on a regular 3- to 5-year cycle as pumping septic tanks is the best preventative maintenance measure for on-site systems.
Do allow the mound or absorption trench to receive maximum available sunshine.
Do plant grass and maintain a grass coverage over the mound or absorption trench. It is essential, vegetation helps remove moisture from the system.
Don’t’s
Don’t use septic tank additives. None have proven effective and some may cause groundwater pollution and damage the system.
Don’t dispose of the following items in the septic system:
• Non-biodegradable materials, cloth, hard paper, plastics, sanitary napkins, disposable diapers, coffee grounds, cigarettes. If it isn’t toilet paper or tissue don’t flush it. Some “Biodegradable” items can take years to deteriorate.
• Petroleum-based products
• Latex-based paints
Don’t place structures closer than 20’
Don’t allow anything to be placed on the mound or absorption trench .
Don’t allow animals, livestock, machines or automobiles on the mound or absorption trench .
Don’t allow plants, shrubs or woody vegetation to be planted or allowed to grow on the mound or absorption trench.
Don’t let grass get to high, as it will shade the ground and slow evaporation.
The drain field and outlet lines will not be compacted so there will be a mound of dirt over the excavated areas. It is mandatory that owners maintain this mound over the absorption trench or mound to prevent run off water from entering or standing on the drain field or mound. Never water settle the drainfield lines or the mound excavation.
The minimum design for mound or absorption trench drain systems is to handle 120 gallons of water per day per bedroom. Dripping faucets and/or, leaking stools destroy drainfields and mounds. Usage can’t exceed design amounts.
2009 Rapid City Business of the Year !
R. Chris Howie & Darin R. Howie
