DO   have your tank inspected every year or two, to check tank condition and solids levels.

DO   keep a record of pumping, inspections, and other maintenance.

DO   practice water conservation. Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets. Run washing machines and dishwashers only when full. Avoid long showers, and use water-saving features in faucets, shower heads and toilets.

DO   learn the location of your onsite system and drainfield. Keep a sketch of it handy for service visits. If your system has a flow diversion valve, learn its location, and turn it once a year. Flow diverters can add many years to the life of your system.

DO   divert roof drains and surface water from driveways and hillsides away from the septic system. Keep sump pumps and house footing drains away from the septic system as well.

DO   take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.

DON'T   allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system. The area over the drainfield should be left undisturbed with only a mowed grass cover. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage your drain lines.

DON'T   make or allow repairs to your onsite system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed contractors when needed.

DON'T   use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do not help and some may hurt your system in the long run.

DON'T   use your toilet as a trash can by dumping non-biodegradables down your toilet or drains. Also, don't poison your onsite system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain. They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.

DON'T   use your garbage disposal unless absolutely necessary. Most of these solids which could go into your garbage or compost, are slow to decompose and load your tank more quickly.