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• Pump it out
Much household waste is not biodegradable and builds up in the tank as sludge. Without regular pumping the sludge spills over into the leachfield, clogs the soil and prevents microorganisms from removing pollutants, threatening groundwater and surface water. Your pumping schedule will be based upon the size of the tank and the number of people in your household. Keep a written record of your schedule.
Do not use biological or chemical additives in your system in place of tank pumping. Current research indicates that chemical additives do not help the system to function and may hurt the system.
For a pumping schedule based on the size of your
household, go to
http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0740.html. Note, however, that
the Summit County Board of Health mandates that septic tanks be pumped at
least once every three years in
Rule 898.
• Conserve water
Too much water can decrease the effectiveness of the septic tank, flood the system, and flush solids into the leachfield.
Repair water leaks, dripping faucets, and toilet valves
Install water conserving devices such as low-flow shower heads and low flow toilets; the majority of household water use originates from bathrooms
Front load washers use less household water than top load washers
Divert sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains and sump pumps, away from the system. Excessive water keeps the soil in the drainfield from naturally cleansing the wastewater.
• Protect your system
Do not dump the following materials down your drain or flush them in toilets:
Cooking fats or grease -- they clog the pipes
Household hazardous wastes -- they harm the good bacteria
Disposable diapers, paper towels, sanitary napkins or tampons, kitty litter, or other bulky material
Coffee grounds or vegetable trimmings
Septic tank cleaners or other additives -- most do little to help and they can harm your system
Motor oil, paint, paint thinners, pesticides
Cigarette butts or plastic -- they clog the system
Do not allow anyone to drive
or park anything over any part of the system; never dig in your drainfield or build anything over your home sewage treatment system.