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Septic System Do's & Don'ts

Simple habits to keep your Orlando septic system healthy and avoid costly repairs.

How your septic system works

A quick visual of the journey your household water takes — from the tap to the drainfield. Understanding the flow makes the do's and don'ts below click.

1. Water leaves your homesinks · showers · toilets · laundrySCUMEFFLUENT (liquid)SLUDGE2. Solids settle; liquid moves on3. Liquid disperses & filtersthrough gravel and soilWastewater flow
From your home, through the septic tank, and out into the drainfield.

DO

  • Know the location and capacity of your tank.
  • Have a licensed contractor pump and inspect your tank every 1–3 years.
  • Pump regularly to prevent solids from building up and clogging the drainfield.
  • Direct roof runoff and surface water away from the drainfield.
  • Grow grass over your system (not trees or shrubs) to prevent erosion and absorb excess water.
  • Install water-conservation fixtures to reduce the load on your system.
  • Space out laundry loads across the week instead of many in one day.
  • Keep faucets and toilets in good repair to prevent leaks and waste.
  • Install a septic tank effluent filter to protect the drainfield.

DON'T

  • Never flush paper towels, newspaper, rags, or sticks.
  • Don't let leaking toilets or faucets go unrepaired.
  • Limit the household cleaners and bleach you flush.
  • Never flush industrial chemicals.
  • Never flush pesticides or other toxic substances.
  • Never plant trees or shrubs near the drainfield.
  • Don't waste water — excess water strains the system.
  • Never pour chemical solvents into lines or the tank.
  • Don't do all your laundry in a single day.
  • Never drive or park over the tank or drainfield.
  • Never flush grease or heavy waste — can it and put it in the trash.

Questions about your system? We're happy to help.