AEROBIC SYSTEM DO'S AND DON'TS

DO'S		DON'TS
The service arrangement offered by the manufacturer must be maintained. It is very important that aerobic units receive regular maintenance. DO keep your system accessible for inspections and pumping, yet protected from unauthorized entrance. If access to your system is locked, make sure that your service contractor has a key. DO call a service professional whenever you experience problems with your system whenever the alarm is activated, or whenever there are any signs of system failure. DO keep detailed records about your aerobic system, including a map of where it is, and general information, such as model name, capacity, state license, date installed, contract service agreement, records of service visits, and maintenance performed.   DO conserve water to avoid over-loading the system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets. DO divert other sources of water, like roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps away from the aerobic system. DO become familiar with how your own particular system operates, and the way it looks, sounds, and smells when it is working correctly. This way, you may be able to identify problems before they become serious and alert your service provider to anything unusual. DO be sure to ask your service provider questions about how to know if your unit is malfunctioning.	DO NOT FLUSH: coffee grounds dental floss disposable diapers kitty litter sanitary napkins tampons cigarette butts condoms fat, grease, or oil paper towels and hazardous chemicals, such as: paints varnishes thinners waste oils photographic solutions pesticides These items can quickly fill your aerobic treatment unit with solids that cannot be treated, and will require that you contact a licensed contractor to pump the system more frequently. VERY IMPORTANT When doing laundry, do not wash all of the clothing in one day. Loads of laundry must be staggered throughout the week, ideally one or two loads daily. Too much soap in the unit at one time can cause excessive foaming, causing problems and possibly failure of your aerobic unit. Never flush medications down the toilet or allow them to go down any drain. Many medications can kill off the microorganisms living in the aerobic unit that are essential for proper treatment of sewage.	DON'T allow anyone to drive over or park on any part of the system. DON'T make or allow repairs to your aerobic system without obtaining the required health department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed. DON'T use your toilet as a trash can or poison your aerobic unit and the groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain. Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.  DON'T attempt to clean or perform maintenance on any sealed aerobic unit components. DON'T allow water softener backwash to enter your aerobic system before checking with your local regulatory agency. REMEMBER Aerobic treatment plants must be maintained and monitored frequently. They should be pumped out by a licensed pumping contractor every 3-5 years, or as often as needed.