Greenway Septic Service

DO have your system inspected annually.

DO pumped out every three years by a  septic hauler.

DO keep a record of pumping, inspections, and maintenance.

DO practice water conservation to reduce the amount of water going     into the septic system.  Repair dripping faucets and leaking toilets. Run washing machines and diswashers only when full.  Avoid long showers.  Consider replacing plumbing fixtures with water-saving features.

DO learn the location of your septic system.  Avoid constructing patios, decks, and paved surfaces over your system.

DO divert roof drains and surface water from your system.  Keep sump pump water and house footing drains away from the septic system.

DO Take leftover hazardous household chemicals to your approved hazardous waste collection center for disposal. Use bleach disinfectants, and toilet bowl cleaners sparingly and in accordance with product labels.

DO be sure to have a healthy grass cover on the absorption field area, but avoid planting shrubs and trees as the roots can damage the septic system tiles.

DO Cut the grass over the disposal field. Shorter grass (around 2-3 inches) increases plant activity called evapotranspiration. This process removes nutrients from the disposal field through the root system, and increases evaporation.

DO  conserve water by taking shorter showers.

DO fix dripping faucets.

DO  turn off water while brushing your teeth or washing dishes.

DO compost your garbage instead of using a garbage disposal.

DO install a lint trap on your washing machine. Lint will clog the pipes in the absorption field.

DO use toilet paper that decomposes easily. Purchase brands labeled "safe" for septic systems.

DO insert a water displacement bag inside the toilet tank of older, less efficient toilets to reduce the amount of water used per flush

DON'T allow anyone to drive or park on any part of your system.

DON'T go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill humans in minutes. Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in the lid opening.

DON'T overuse a kitchen garbage disposal unit. Heavy use adds large quantities of solids and shortens the time between septic tank pumpings.

DON'T repair your septic system without checking with the health department to see if you need a permit.

DON'T use septic tank additives.  These products usually do not help and some contain chemicals that can hurt your system or pollute the environment.  Human sewage has plenty of microorganisms to do the job of breaking down sludge!

DON'T use your septic system as a trash can.  Avoid flushing into your septic system grease, disposable diapers, plastics, cigarette butts, excessive toilet paper, kitty litter, tampons, condoms --- you get the idea!  These items do not degrade and will fill up the tank quickly, costing you more in pumping fees or allowing sludge to clog the absorption field.

DON'T route surface water drainage toward your absorption field. Snowmelt, rain, and other surface runoff can temporarily inundate your field.

DON'T hire just anyone to service your septic system. Incomplete treatment of wastewater can result in the spread of hepatitis, dysentery, and other diseases caused by harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites in the wastewater.