◦ Your septic system is a living organism, if a substance is harmful for you to ingest it will also be toxic to your onsite system.

◦ Wipes (even if it says safe for septic tanks), condoms, or feminine hygiene products should not be flushed down the toilet.

◦ Toilet paper should come apart if shaken in a jar.

◦ Sinks / garbage disposals are not trash cans. Scraps, food waste, and oils should be discarded as solid waste. Ideally, anything traveling to the septic tank should first pass through your digestive system.

◦ Laundry should be done daily as needed. Waiting until the weekend to do multiple loads should be avoided.

◦ All cleaning products and detergents should say safe for septic tanks.

◦ Liquid fabric softener is inappropriate for septic tanks. It is an oily substance that is chemically designed to remain emulsified in water no matter the temperature. As a result, it will travel through the liquid layer of the tank and out to the drainfield. Once it leaves the tank it will clog the infiltrative surface of the drainfield causing a premature failure.

◦ Your septic tank should be pumped every 2-3years or when recommended by a professional / maintenance entity. ◦ Additive use is not necessary. If an additive is used, it must be on the state approved list. Refer to a professional for questions or clarifications.

◦ If a member of the household is taking chemotherapy, on long term antibiotic therapy, or the recipient of an organ transplant let your professional or maintenance entity know immediately.

◦ Any plumbing leaks should be fixed immediately. The water source should be turned off when the leaking fixture is not in use until the leak is repaired.

◦ If you are on a private source of water or well, it may be necessary to install a water meter to retain your warranty.

◦ If you have an audio visual alarm, let your professional know immediately if the alarm goes off. Resetting, silencing, or unplugging any component will only make the situation worse.

◦ If you have an aerobic treatment unit (ATU), let your maintenance entity know immediately if there are any alarms. A technician will service your system semiannually or quarterly and report any issues to both you and the local health department as required by F.A.C. 62-6.

◦ If you have a water treatment system of any kind, the purge cycle must be discarded in a way that it does not discharge into the internal plumbing for the home.