Some people find it odd in this day and age to have homes that rely on septic systems for wastewater removal. However a septic system is really the only way to be fully responsible for your own waste-water and water usage. Instead of paying someone else (the water utility) to remove the waste-water and process and store it, you are doing it all yourself. It sounds like a big job, but its really not. If you can remember a few key points it is very easy.

1. The average life of a septic system is 25-35 years. However I have seen a 40 year old system that was still in great working order. The key is proper management & maintenance!

2. Instead of putting food waste in the garbage disposal put the meat scraps in the trash and the vegetables in the composter.

3. Always use biodegradable soaps and shampoo.

4. Use toilet paper that easily bio-degrades. Avoid Charmin, it has too many oils and won't break down.

5. Don't flush feminine products down the toilet as these items won't break down, but they will kill your septic.

6. Get your tank pumped out every 3-5 years. It costs about $200 for your average tank.

7. If possible divert your washing machine  and dishwasher waste water (gray-water) into a sunny spot in your yard. Your gray-water should never leave your property. This will also save money on watering your lawn!

8. Maintain the grass on your disposal field. Keep it healthy and mow it regularly. Do not plant any trees within the drain field, as the roots will grow into the drain lines and cause problems. This may force you to replace the drain field if it becomes damaged by tree roots.

9.Do not place any impervious cover (driveways, portable buildings, sidewalks, or decks) over your drain field.

10. Keep any heavy livestock or vehicles off the drain field area. They may cause the pipes to be crushed and fail.

11. Never dispose of cooking grease or oil into your sink, this will harm your septic. Always collect this in a can or jar and dispose of with your garbage.

12. Do not install a lawn sprinkler system over a drain field. This will cause the field to become saturated and reduce the capacity of the field.

13. Before building any home additions, you must contact the county to ensure your systems capacity is sufficient to handle the increased load.

14. Install low flow toilets and showerheads in all bathrooms. Conserve water whenever possible. Don't leave the faucet running while you brush your teeth. Don't run the faucet to get the water good and cold for a drink. When you turn on hot water use a bucket or pot to collect the warming water and use it for watering house plants or pets. Bathe the dog in the yard instead of the bathtub.

15. Keep clear detailed records of the system maintenance and a map of the location of the tank and drain fields, and any service contracts for the system. This information is critical to have when listing your house for sale.