Stearns Septic Service, Inc.

Home Page

How to Properly Maintain Your Septic System

DO:

• Locate the original state approved septic design for the system installed.
  This can be obtained from your local town or city hall or from NH DES or the State of Vermont.

• Know where your system is located and do not build any decks or other structures over any part of the system.
• Have your septic tank cleaned on a regular basis by a licensed hauler (recommended every 2-3 years).
• If a filter is installed on your septic tank make sure it is cleaned annually.
• If you have a garbage disposal, the system should be designed to handle it.  If it is not, we recommend discontinuing the use or removing the disposal.
• Have a professional camera evaluation of your entire septic system conducted.

• DO NOT overuse the system design.  If bedrooms are added beyond what the system is designed to handle it can lead to premature failure and/or costly repairs to the septic system.

 
• DO NOT flush:
  
• cigarette butts
• cotton swabs
• cat box litter
• sanitary napkins or tampons
• disposable diapers
• baby wipes
• condoms
• any other non-biodegradable product

 
• DO NOT put any grease, garbage grindings or harsh chemicals down any drains.

 
• No more than two (2) loads of laundry back-to-back in a single day.

 
• DO NOT use excessive amounts of bleach as this kills the natural bacteria in the septic tank.

 
• DO NOT plant anything other than grass over the leach field area.  This will prevent any potential root penetration which can damage the system.