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Septic Systems Page 2 of 3 • Roof downspouts should not drain toward the absorption field. • Roots from trees in the immediate area of the absorption lines may clog the system. • Keep swimming pools (above or in-ground) away from the absorption field. CAUTION: • Avoid entering your septic tank. • Individuals have died from gas asphyxiation. • Never permit heavy equipment to pass over the absorption field. • If surface water from higher ground is flowing onto your absorption field, install a ditch or http://www.revealhomeinspections.com/septic.htm 5/18/2006 • Conserve your water usage; this can prolong the life of your sewage treatment system. Check defective toilet tank valves, repair leaky fixtures, install appliances and fixtures that use less water and avoid wasteful practices. • Your sewage treatment system is normally designed to accommodate two persons per bedroom. If your household is larger than this, or if you add additional bedrooms, enlarge the system. • Backwash from water softeners and/or iron/manganese removal equipment may be discharged to the septic tank and absorption system or to a separate system. • Avoid the disposal of cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, plastics, trash, etc., into your household sewage system. These items are not readily decomposed. • Garbage grinders substantially increase the accumulation of solids in the septic tank, as well as the solids entering the absorption fields and pits. Their disadvantages outweigh the convenience they provide and are not recommended for households with their own sewage treatment systems. If used, the septic tank size should be increased. • Connecting your laundry wastes to a separate waste system (dry well or seepage pit), while not normally necessary, will reduce the load on the regular system and permit the survival of a marginal system. • All roof, cellar and footing drainage, and surface water must be excluded from the system. This drainage water can be discharged to the ground surface without treatment; make sure it drains away from your sewage treatment system. not affect the proper operation of household sewage treatment systems. However, excessive quantities can be harmful. • Septic tank additives are not recommended. Additives are unnecessary to the proper operation of household systems and may cause the sludge and scum in the septic tank to be discharged into the absorption field, resulting in premature failure. Some additives may actually pollute groundwater.