Maintenance & Management

Violations of service policy include:  Turning off power to the system for more than 24 hours.  Overloading the system or introducing excessive amounts of matter and/or allowing inorganic materials into the system (plastics, cigarette butts, feminine products, diapers etc.)

• An OSSF (On-Site Sewage Facility) should not be treated as if it were a normal city sewer.
• The excessive use of in-sink garbage disposal grinders and grease discarding should be avoided. In-sink garbage grinders can cause rapid buildup of sludge or scum, requiring more frequent cleaning and possible system failure.
• Do not use the toilet to dispose of cleaning wipes, cigarette butts, condoms, plastics, or any other non-organic materials.
• Septic tanks should be cleaned (pumped) before sludge accumulates to a point where it approaches the bottom of the outlet device. If the sludge or scum accumulates to this point, solids will leave the tank with the liquids and cause clogging of the system and its components, resulting in sewage backing up into the house or yard.  Since it is not practical for the homeowner to inspect their tank and determine the need for cleaning, your service provider will notify you if your system requires cleaning during your scheduled service call. 
• The manufacturer recommends pumping your system at least every 5 years. Commercial cleaners are equipped to readily performing the cleaning operation.  Owners of the septic system shall engage only persons registered with the TCEQ to transport the septic tank material.
• Do not build driveways, storage buildings, or other structures over any of the system components, or its’ disposal field. Please do not plant anything near any of the systems components.  Plant and tree roots will adversely affect the system.
• Chemical additives or enzymes are not necessary for the operation of an aerobic treatment system. Some additives may even be harmful to the system operation.
• Soaps, detergents, bleaches, drain cleaners, and other household cleaning materials will seldom affect the operation of the system. However, moderation should be exercised in the use of such materials.  Do NOT use liquid fabric softener or Ivory dish soap as they can be harmful to the system.  A good rule of thumb is if the soaps run slow out of the bottle, do not use it.  Do not introduce paint into the system.
• No not allow water softener back flush to enter any portion of the OSSF.
• There should be absolutely no vehicle traffic over the tank system.
• Care should be taken when mowing or doing yard work around sprinkler heads, aerator, airline, chlorinator, electrical conduit and tank risers.
• Please make sure ants are treated around tank lids and the aerator. They will destroy the electrical components of the system.