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15 Things to avoid to ensure safe operation of onsite wastewater treatment system
- Tom Smith
A properly installed onsite wastewater treatment system will give you years of service; however, like anything else it must be properly maintained.
The following is a list of things you need to avoid to not put undue stress on your system.
Do not:
- Overload the system by introducing wastewater flows greater than the design flow.
- Flush excessive amounts of grease, oil or fat into your septic system.
- Dump excessive amounts of disinfectants, cleaners or detergents (normal amounts will not harm the system.)
- Allow storm water into your septic system (storm water drains should not be connected to the septic tank and landscaping should divert storm water away from the modules.)
- Use additives (septic tank additives should not be introduced into the septic tank for grease reduction, stimulation of biological activity or other purposes.)
- Dispose of large quantities of organic material through a garbage disposal as this may organically overload the system and cause more frequent pumping of the septic tank.
- Flush cigarettes, tea bags, sanitary napkins, tampons, diapers, condoms, wipes and other non-biodegradable products capable of blocking pipes or filters into your system.
- Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, pesticides or poisons down the drain which can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate the groundwater.
- Dispose of water softener waste directly into the septic system (where practical design a separate disposal system or balance flows into the septic system.)
- Dig in your drainfield or build anything permanent over it.
- Plant anything over your drainfield except grass.
- Drive over your drainfield or compact the soil in any way.
- Attempt any homeowner maintenance to the septic tank, pump tank, electrical controls or treatment modules — do not remove caps or covers as potentially hazardous gases and waste matter are contained in the treatment tanks which may result in death or bodily injury.
- Place heavy objects on or drive across your treatment system.
- Bury or cover the modules with soil as the Puraflo treatment is an aerobic process that requires free passage of air through the module lids.
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Tom Smith
Tom Smith is the director of operations and marketing at Anua. Tom is driving demand for wastewater treatment, water reuse, rainwater harvesting and odor/VOC control solutions. He has a B.A. from Duke University and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business.
