Aerobic Treatment Unit
First, please understand that the State has clearly stated it is the owner's responsibility to operate the aerobic treatment unit in compliance with all regulations - regardless who you hire, and what they do or don't do.
To keep your maintenance costs to a minimum and insure high effluent quality, the following items should not be flushed down the drain: (Effluent is the treated wastewater that comes from the aerobic treatment unit, that then is applied to your land.)
- Strong disinfectants or bleaches, other than small amounts used in
day to day house cleaning and laundries. Recommended cleaning
products are non-chlorine, non-toxin, non-corrosive and
biodegradable. Anti-bacterial soaps are strongly discouraged. - Backwash discharge from any type of water softener. Water
softeners will cause an offensive odor and are discouraged with the
use of aerobic septic systems unless the discharge is into the pump
tank. - Citrus products, coffee grounds, chemical wastes, paint or paint
thinners, oils or grease (such as used cooking grease), pet
shampoo, pet dip disinfectant, pesticides, herbicides, automotive
fluids or any other toxins. Even in small quantities these
substances can be very harmful to your treatment plant. Do not
use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do
not help and some may harm your system in the long run. - Disposable diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins, large quantities of
paper products, tobacco products, or similar items. Home brewery
waste, strong medicines and antibiotics. If your doctor has
prescribed you antibiotics the residual amount in your waste might
harm the bacteria in the system. You might notice a foul odor
while using the antibiotics. The system should restore itself in a
few weeks after the medication is no longer taken. - Waste material from a garbage disposal is not recommended.
Food waste represents additional loading the aerobic treatment unit
would have to digest, increasing the intervals you will need the
system pumped out. The food particles will also eventually clog
your water pump, causing it to fail and need to be replaced. - Don't allow hair to flow down your drains into your septic system.
The hair will eventually find its way to your pump and clog it.
Clogging will cause your pump motor to burn up and a costly new
pump will be needed.
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