How do I maintain my Septic System?
  1. IF YOU OWN A HOUSE ON SEPTIC, DO NOT FLUSH THE FOLLOWING:
    Dental floss, Feminine hygiene products, Condoms, Diapers, Cotton swabs, Cigarette butts, Coffee grounds, Cat litter, Paper towels
  2. DO NOT FLUSH hazardous chemicals into your septic system
  3. AVOID dumping fats, oils or greases into sink (use empty can, let solidify, throw away in garbage)
  4. AVOID well water treatment systems that discharge or backwash into septic tank
  5. AVOID flushing latex paints, paint thinners, anti-freeze, gasoline, oil, or pesticides into septic tank
  6. DO NOT use any additives that are reported/ advertised to help your septic tank (yeast, system cleaners, etc); they can cause permanent septic damage, even failure
  7. Have your Septic System pumped every 3-5 years, depending on how many people live in your home.
  8. New septic systems regulations require that the size of septic tanks be increased by 250 gallons if garbage disposals are included
    Remember, if you have a septic system and private well, what you flush eventually ends up becoming what you drink!
  9. Homeowners should not allow any heavy machinery to be driven over any part of the septic system.
  10. Be advised that the following activities may require a building permit:
    • Driveways (except septic systems with H20 load rating)
    • Landscape/ excavation work/ filling
    • Irrigation systems (must be at least 10')
    • Retaining walls
    • Any drainage work
    • Outdoor jacuzzis/ hot tubs


Check with your local building department, and consult with ESDHD if any of these activities are proposed in the septic system area.

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East Shore District Health Department
Email:info@esdhd.org | 14 Business Park Drive | Branford, CT 06405 | Phone (203) 481-4233 Fax (203) 483-6894