Frequently Asked Questions About Septic System Care

No, you don’t need to add a starter. Natural bacteria already found in household waste is enough to activate and maintain proper bacterial action in the septic tank.

No. Additives are unnecessary and may harm your system. Some increase sludge levels or flush harmful chemicals into your drainfield or groundwater, potentially causing damage or contamination.

Never. Laundry water should always go into the septic tank first. Soap and detergent residue can clog your soil pores and cause drainfield failure.

Not in normal amounts. Bleach, detergents, and drain cleaners are generally safe — but don’t overuse them. Too much can disrupt the tank’s bacterial balance.

Avoid flushing coffee grounds, grease, diapers, paper towels, tissues, cigarette butts, and fats. These do not break down and will fill your tank quickly.

Yes. Grease can block pipes or harden inside your tank. Instead, collect grease in a container and throw it in the trash.

For a 1,000-gallon tank in a 3-bedroom home, pump every 1 to 3 years. If you use a garbage disposal, pump more often—at least once a year.

Always open the full manhole cover, not just the inspection pipe. This ensures complete removal of sludge and scum and lets you inspect the baffles too.

Garbage disposals add solids to your system and may require more frequent pumping. Use one sparingly or not at all.

Use toilet paper that breaks down easily in water. Test it by shaking a piece in a jar of water. If it disintegrates quickly, it's septic-safe.

Your system can only treat a limited amount. Overloading leads to backups and failure. Fix leaks and limit water use if your tank is near capacity.

Install a low-flush or dual-flush toilet. Some use less than 1 gallon per flush — compared to the standard 5–6 gallons.

No. Don’t use your toilet as a trash can. These items don’t break down and can clog or damage your septic system.

Yes. Front-loaders and machines with suds savers are more efficient and reduce strain on your septic system. Try spreading loads throughout the week.

To save water, keep a pitcher of cold water in the fridge instead of letting the tap run.

Install low-flow shower heads and limit shower time. Fill the tub halfway instead of to the top to save gallons per use.

No, the softener won’t hurt the bacteria. However, it does increase water flow into your system. If that becomes a problem, redirect the waste to a safe surface area.

Yes. Powdered detergents often have fillers that don’t dissolve and can clog your system. Liquid detergents are a better, safer choice.