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M11 MI N N ES.OTA POLLUTION <br />CONT-RO'L AGENCY <br />i <br />www.pca.st:atemn.us. <br />Septic system DO's and DON'Ts <br />A quick reference guide to extend the life of your septic system <br />A -properly constructed and maintained system can last a long time if you follow some common septic system <br />DO% and DON'Ts: <br />d DO conserve water and -fix leaks quickly. <br />Installing high efflcldocy appliarlces;-such:as <br />washers and Inw-flbw-tolfets, can extend the life <br />of your system while leaky faucets can limit <br />your system's.capaaity. If you have periods of <br />high water usei talk to -a septic professlonal <br />about Helping your system manage the spl(ces: <br />DO have your septic tank routineiy.seNrced**as <br />specified by a licensed professional. <br />Do regularly check1he. condi on of your septic <br />system and any access covers. Unsecured or <br />unsafe lids can be. dangerous to children or <br />pets; failing into.a septic.tank can be fatal, <br />DO keep your.septic*tankcover actessible for <br />Inspections and pumping,*Ygu.may wish to <br />install septic tank riser%to akold having to <br />disturb your lawn for. every er ainteriance event <br />✓ DO keep records of repairs;. pumping, <br />Inspections; permits issued, and other SSTS <br />maintenance activities. <br />y DO. identify the location of your septic tank and <br />drainfeld. A sketch or map allows easier <br />.navigation to. septic system components. <br />DO.divert .water sources such as roof.drains, <br />house.footing drains, and sump pumps away <br />from the septic -system— they shouldn'tflow <br />into. the system or onto the ground.gver your <br />system.: Excessive water can cause back-vo and - <br />premature system 6111pre. <br />DO call a licensed professional if you experience <br />problems with your system, or if there are any <br />signs of system failure: <br />x DON'T flush the following items: <br />• Lint.or clothing fibers <br />• Diapers <br />• Cigarette butts <br />• Facial tissue <br />• Condoms <br />• Feminine by 6ne-products <br />• U nused fhedications <br />• Paint or solvents <br />• Flammable material <br />• Coffee grounds. <br />• Cat litter <br />w Cooking oils and grease <br />• "Flushable." wipes or paper towels <br />These items will shorten the life.ofyoui-systefivand <br />may cause component failures or -sewage backups. <br />ONLY human waste and toilet: pa per should ever be <br />flushed: Minimize use of harsh cleaners, bleach, <br />and antibacterial soaps: <br />x DON'T drive. over or park anything above the.septic <br />tank ordrainfield. This.can limitsystem life and <br />cause.damage. <br />x DON'T plant deep rooted plants over or near the <br />.drairifleld. Roots from trees or shrubs may clog and <br />daMage drain lines. Plant grass or'flowers instead <br />(no vegetables), but don't fertilize, water,.or burn <br />them. <br />x .DON'T dig in:Qr bu)ld*anything-on top of your <br />drai . ...; particularly playgrounds. <br />x DON'T make or allow repairs to your septic system <br />without obtaining therequired local permits:and <br />professional assistance. <br />x DON'T enter your septic tank. Working in•and <br />around a septic tank is dangerous, and gases <br />generated in the tank could be fatal. <br />MlnnetbU.PAllution control Agency August 2018 1 wq-.wwists6.14 <br />65129fi-6300 1 8d0 657-3864 or use your preferred relay service 1 lnfo.pcaPstate.mn.us Available in alternative formats <br />