Protecting Your Home, Caring for Your Septic System septic system in good working ... Also, when a...

Simple Steps, Long-lastingResults To avoid flushing thousands ofdollars in repairs down the drain, keepyour septic system in good workingcondition. This type of safe treatment ofsewage prevents the spread of infectionand disease and protects your water. Also,when a septic tank is working properly, itnaturally removes most of the pollutantsthat can make you sick. If you follow thesesteps, your septic system will function toprotect your health and your investment.

Remember the 3 PsPUMPnPump your tank at least every 3 to 5years to help ensure it continues to workproperly.nWaste and kitchen garbage disposalmaterial can build up over time, sopumping your system is an importantstep.nHave your septic system inspected every3 years by a licensed sewage disposalcompany to check for any problems.nHaving your system inspected andpumped on a regular basis is a bargainwhen you consider the cost of replacingthe entire system.

PROTECTnDo not drive over or park vehicles onyour septic tank or drainfield.

nPlant only grass over and near yourdrainfield to avoid damage from roots.nMake sure your gutter downspouts aredirected away from the drainfield area.nFix leaky toilets and dripping faucets assoon as possible.

PREVENTnUse your toilet to flush human wasteonly. Anything other than human wastecan clog and possibly damage your septicsystem.nDo not pour household products, suchas cleansers, medicine, auto fluids, paintand lawn care products down the drain.These items can pollute surface andground water, which supplies yourdrinking water. It may also end up inyour local rivers, lakes and coastal waters.nCompost your kitchen scraps ratherthan use your garbage disposal, to helpyour septic system last longer.

Do Not Waste Water Your system issized on an expected average use of 50gallons per person per day. Drippingfaucets can waste about 2,000 gallons ofwater each year. Leaky toilets can waste asmuch as 200 gallons each day. Over-loading your system with water is thenumber one cause of failure. So,remember to:nFill the bathtub with only as much wateras you need.

nTurn off faucets while shaving orbrushing your teeth.nRun the dishwasher and clothes washeronly when they are full.nMake sure all faucets are completelyturned off when not in use.nInstall water saving showerheads thatrelease low levels of water.nMake sure your toilets and faucets donot leak.

Do Not Overload Your DrainfieldnKeep roof drains and other rainwateror surface drainage systems away from thedrainfield.nFlooding the drainfield with too muchwater slows down or stops the treatmentprocesses and can cause plumbing to backup.nDistribute your laundry loads over theweek.nYour washing machine discharges 40 to50 gallons every wash load and doing loadafter load on a single day can stress andoverload your system.nConsider composting rather than usinga garbage disposal. This reduces theburden on your septic system whileproviding compost to make your gardengrow.

nFor additional information on your septic system, contact theenvironmental health section at your county health department.You can also visit U.S. EPA sites: www.epa.gov/own/onsite orwww.epa.gov/own/water-conservation.

nFor a listing of licensed septic tanks contractorsvisit: FloridaHealth.gov/healthy-environments/ andselect “Onsite Sewage Programs.”

Your home is one of your greatest assets. In fact, for families of all kinds, it is a place of comfort and a source ofgreat pride. But, did you realize that you can better protect the value of your home by taking good care of your septic system?Without a doubt, a key reason to maintain your septic system is money! Failing septic systems are not only expensive to repairand replace, they are something you can avoid.

Protecting Your Home,Caring for Your Septic System

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Environmental Health

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