Excessive water use puts an unnecessary load on the system. Allowing faucets to drip, fixtures to leak, and using running water to wash, rinse dishes, shave and brush teeth are wasteful water habits. In most households toilet flushing is the largest user of water, followed by bathing, laundry, and washing dishes.

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of water treated by the septic system is to replace old high water usage fixtures and appliances.

* The system should be pumped out and serviced about every 3 years to remove solids from the tank and drain fields.

* Do not use a garbage disposal or dispose of vegetables, meat, fat, oil, coffee grounds and other undigested food products in the septic system. ( These materials can clog the drain field lines.)

* Install a new low-flow toilet. New units give a complete flush with 1.5 gallons per flush.

* Install low-flow shower heads, hand held showers with pulse control and temperature balance valve controls.

* Repair leaky faucets and toilets immediately.

* Do not use “every flush “ toilet disinfectants that are placed in the tank or bowl.

* Do not flush facial tissues, paper towels or personal hygiene products down the toilet.

* Use moderate amounts of white toilet paper. Some dyes used for toilet paper are difficult for bacteria to break down.

* Install low water use dishwasher and washing machines.

* Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.

* Reroute water softener recharge outlets to drain outside of the septic system. This water does not need to be treated and can add up to 8 gallons for every gallon used.

* Use minimal amounts of mild cleaners, as needed. (Harsh chemicals can kill helpful micro organisms living in the system.)

* Never dispose of solvents, paints, antifreeze or chemicals through the septic system. These materials kill valuable bacteria and may pass through the system to leach in to the surface water.