Cause a serious health threat to your family and neighbors, and possibly put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed area,

Degrade the environment, especially lakes, streams and groundwater, 

Reduce the value of your property, 

Be very expensive to repair.

Sewage surfacing over the drain field (especially after storms), 

Sewage back-ups into the house, or slow moving drains,

Unusually lush, green growth over the drain field, 

Foul smelling sulfur-like sewage odors.

DO have your tank pumped out and system inspected every two to five years by a licensed septic contractor. 

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, showerheads, and toilets. 

DO learn the location of your septic system and drain field.  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 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. 

DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health department permit.  Use only professional licensed septic 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 trashcan by dumping non-degradable materials down your toilet or other drains. 

DON'T poison your septic system and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals down the drain.  They can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.