Septic Do's and Don'ts | Tolland Septic Service

DO pump every 3 to 5 years: Stick to a regular schedule based on household size. Routine pumping is significantly cheaper than replacing a failed drainfield.
DO keep detailed records: Log every inspection, pump-out, and repair. This is crucial for troubleshooting and essential if you ever sell your home.
DO install effluent filters and risers: A filter at the tank outlet prevents stray solids from entering the leach field. Tank risers bring access lids to ground level, making inspections and maintenance much easier and cleaner.
DO inspect after heavy storms or flooding: Check that surface runoff isn't pooling over your tank or leach field.

DO spread out water usage: Space out laundry loads throughout the week rather than doing 6 loads in one day. High water volumes can flood the tank ("hydraulic overload"), flushing solids into the leaching field before they settle.
DO divert surface water away: Ensure gutter downspouts, sump pump discharge, and landscape drainage divert rainwater well away from the drainfield.
DO use water-efficient fixtures: High-efficiency toilets and showerheads reduce the daily water load entering your system.

DON'T flush "flushable" wipes: Even if the package says "septic safe," wipes do not dissolve like toilet paper. They remain intact, clog pipes, fill up tanks rapidly, and jam pump impellers.
DON'T pour grease, oils, or fats down the sink: Grease hardens inside pipes, forms a thick scum layer in the tank, and can seal off soil pores in the drainfield, causing premature failure.
DON'T dump harsh chemicals down drains: Paint, paint thinners, pesticides, motor oil, photographic chemicals, or excessive bleach will kill the beneficial bacteria that break down solids in your tank.
DON'T rely heavily on garbage disposals: Disposals double the amount of solid waste entering the tank. If you use one regularly, expect to pump your tank twice as often.
DON'T flush personal hygiene items or trash: Paper towels, facial tissues, diapers, dental floss, cigarette butts, cat litter, and feminine hygiene products should always go in the trash.

DON'T park or drive over the system: Heavy vehicles or equipment can crush pipes, crack concrete tanks, and compact the soil over the leaching field, destroying its ability to absorb water.
DON'T plant trees or large shrubs near the leach field: Root systems naturally seek out water and can penetrate, clog, or crush underground pipes. Keep deep-rooting plants at least 30 feet away; stick to simple grass over the field.
DON'T build structures over any part of the system: Never place sheds, patios, decks, or above-ground pools over the tank or leaching area.
DON'T use commercial septic tank additives or enzymes: Healthy systems naturally contain all necessary bacteria. Chemical additives can break up solids and push them directly into the leaching field, leading to severe clogs.

Septic Dos and Don'ts