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IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT <br />MAINTAINING YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM <br /> <br /> A septic tank and disposal field is the most common method <br />of sewage disposal for properties in rural areas where public <br />sower is not available- in cities, where public sewers are in <br />us~, the local government is usually responsible for maintenance <br />of the system. In the rural areas, the property owner must take <br />the responsibility for the maintenance of the sewage disposal <br />system- <br /> <br /> The bacteria normally present in human sewage will provide <br />all the necessary culture for starting the proper anaerobic <br />action in a new septic tank. The septic tank will allow solid <br />materials to be separated out of the waste stream and the process <br />of decomposition of the solids to take place. Sludge will settle <br />to the bottom of the tank and scum (grease and other floating <br />solids) will float to the top. The liquid then flows out of the <br />tank to the disposal field. <br /> <br />Several steps can be taken to protect the investment you have <br />made in your septic system: <br /> <br />Paper towels, newspapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, <br />disposable diapers, etc., should not be flushed down <br />the toilet into the septic system. They do not decom- <br />pose well and reduce the storage volume of the tank. <br /> <br />Care should be taken not to discharge excessive amounts <br />of strong chemicals, which can hinder the microbiologi- <br />cal action in the tank. Inert materials, such as coffee <br />grounds and grease,.will add excessively to the sludge <br />and scum layers. <br /> <br />If a garbage disposal is present, it should be used <br />with discretion. Wastes from these units are not easily <br />digested by the bacteria in the septic tank and cause a <br />more rapid build-up of solid matter in the tank. <br /> <br /> As excessive amounts of sludge or scum accumulate in the <br />septic tank, they will begin to wash out of the tank into the <br />disposal field. This will, in turn, cause a premature failing of <br />the disposal field. In order to prevent this premature failure, <br />it is necessary to have a licensed septic tank pumper visit your <br />property and pump out the contents of the septic tank. It is <br />recommended that the tank be pumped approximately every five <br />years. At that time, the septic tank pumper can tell if more of <br />less frequent pumping is necessary. <br /> <br /> <br />