SepticCare

Most homes in rural areas have septic systems as opposed to a connection to sewer services. If properly cared for these systems can work very efficiently. The following are basic guidelines to keeping your septic system running clean and trouble-free.

1-Protect Your system
Don't pave over, drive over or build on top of your drainfield. Plant grass over the area to keep the soil from eroding.

2-Keep Rainwater From Settling In The Drainfield Area
Liquid waste can't be absorbed and neutralized by soggy soil. For this reason you should plan (or change) landscaping, gutters and drains to divert rainwater away from your drainfield area.

3-Keep Tree Roots Out Of Your System
Make sure that trees are growing 100 feet or more from your septic system. Some trees (like willows) have aggressive roots and should be kept even further away.

4-Don't Overload the System
Excess liquid in the system can exceed it's capacity. Do all that you can to eliminate leaky faucets and toilets. Use low-flow nozzles on your shower and sinks. Use a displacer in your toilet to reduce the amount used in flushing. Only run full loads in the dishwasher. Use a lower setting on your washing machine for small loads of laundry.

5-Be Careful When Using The Garbage Disposal
Garbage disposals can double the amount of solids that a septic tank has to process. Make sure that you have a quality garbage disposal that will grind foods into very small (and more easily processed) pieces.

6-Don't Let Grease Go Down The Drain
Grease will harden in your septic system and can clog your drainfield to the point of rendering it useless.

7-Keep Foreign Items From Going Down The Toilet
Diapers, sanitary napkins, cat litter, tampons, paper towels, coffee grounds, tissues and cigarette butts can quickly damage your septic system.

8-Use Heavy-Duty Cleaners Sparingly
If overused, heavy duty cleaners will kill the bacteria that makes your septic tank break down solids. Varnish, motor oil, paint thinner and other hazardous chemicals can ruin your septic system and pollute your ground water, they should never be put down the drain.

9-Maintain Your System
Eventually solids will build up and have to be pumped out of the septic tank. Waushara County requires that registered septics be pumped every three years. Don't wait for the system to back-up, get on a regular schedule and keep things running smoothly.

WARNING
Do not open up your septic tank. After digging the cover, let a professional septic pumper do the rest. Bacteria in the tank can be harmful, and poisonous gas from the tank can be deadly.