DO:

Discharge only biodegradable wastes into system.

Keep tank cover accessible for inspections and pumping. Many persons install a riser (or manhole) over their tank, if it is buried deeper than six inches, for easy access.

Have the tank pumped regularly and keep a record of pumpings and inspections.

Restrict use of a garbage disposal, as this waste will fill the tank more rapidly and also float, increasing the scum thickness.

Ask the technician who is pumping the tank to inspect inlet and outlet baffles. If repairs are needed, have them done immediately. If the outlet baffle is not functioning, untreated material will go directly to the absorption area, causing it to fail eventually.

DO NOT:

Don't dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, and pesticides down the drain. These kill bacteria your system depends on to purify sewage.

Don't dig into the leachfield, plant anything except grass over it, or build over it.

Don't empty large quantities of water, such as from hot tubs, especially if they are chlorinated.

Don't drive over the system.