Do

·        Familiarize yourself with the location of your septic system and, if it has one, the electrical control panel.

·        Keep an "as built" system diagram a safe place for reference ( and let future owners of the house know where it is located)

·        Divert surface water away from your leaching bed

·        Pump out your septic tank on a regular basis (every 3-5 years)

·        Repair leaky plumbing fixtures conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated.

·        Replace old toilets with low-flush models

·        Keep lint out of your septic system by cleaning the lint filters on your washing machine

·        Add an effluent filter and access riser to your septic tank if it doesn't yet have them

·        Keep the tank access lid secure to the riser at all times

·        Provide regular maintenance for your effluent filter (usually located at the outlet of your septic tanks

·        Keep accurate records of septic system maintenance and service calls

·        Maintain your sewage system as required.

Don't

·        Flush hazardous chemicals

·        Flush cigarette butts or sanitary products

·        Use a garbage disposal/garburator

·        Plant trees or shrubs too close to the septic system or leaching bed

·        Use special additives that are touted to enhance the performance of your tank or system

·        Use excessive amounts of water (190 litres per person per day is typical)

·        Leave interior faucets on to protect water lines during cold spells. Instead, properly insulate or heat your faucets and plumbing

·        Dig without knowing the location of your septic system

·        Drive over your septic tank or any buried components in your sewage system

·        Dump RV waste into your septic tank

·        Enter a tank - Gases generated in the septic tank &/or oxygen depletion can be fatal

·        Connect rain gutters, storm drains or allow surface water to drain into a sewage system

·        Remove and throw away the effluent filter to avoid cleaning it.

·        Flush substances that cause maintenance problems &/or increase the need for septage pumping