Systems are designed to handle domestic wastewater. Things that do not break down easily (facial tissue, large amounts of vegetable scrapings, coffee grounds, chemicals, paints, oils, sanitary napkins, applicators, condoms, medicines, pesticides, poisons, strong disinfectants, etc.) can damage a system or substantially increase the need for cleaning the septic tank. Use of in-sink garbage disposals should be limited.

Do not pour grease or cooking oil down the drain (including toilet). Grease and oil are hard to break down and will eventually plug the soil.

Maintain your fixtures. A slow-running toilet can add large amounts of water. A running toilet discharging ¼ gallon per minute will result in 360 gallons per day, which is more water than a sewage system for a 3-bedroom home is designed for. To test the toilet, put a few drops of food colouring in the toilet tank. If it shows up in the bowl, it is leaking. It may take as long as an hour for the colour to show.

Wastewaters not included in the system’s design should not be put into the system. This may include wastewater from:

• Foundation weeping tile drains
• A hot tub, spa or hydro massage bath exceeding a 2-person capacity
• A swimming pool
• An iron filter
• Water conditioning equipment that generates excessive amounts of wastewater

Direct eavestrough downspouts and other surface water should flow away from the septic tank and disposal field.

Systems are installed near the surface – keep automobiles and heavy equipment off the system. The piping and septic tanks can be damaged by heavy traffic, and the traffic will compact the ground reducing its ability to absorb sewage effluent. In winter, traffic (even from snowmobile paths) will drive frost into the system causing it to freeze.