Anytime Septic
Resources

Septic System Do's & Don'ts

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

How It Works

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.

Diagram of a residential septic system showing wastewater flowing from the house through the septic tank to the drainfield and into the groundwater
How wastewater flows from your home, through the septic tank, and out to the drainfield.
Infographic comparing conventional, chamber, and aerobic treatment unit (ATU) septic systems
Common septic system types — conventional, chamber, and aerobic treatment unit (ATU).
Real chamber drainfield installation by Anytime Septic — rows of plastic leaching chambers set in excavated trenches beside a Central Florida home
A real chamber drainfield we installed in Central Florida.

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.
Anytime Septic technician in a red hard hat inspecting an open septic tank access lid in the yard

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

Talk to a licensed Central Florida septic pro — inspections, pumping, repairs, and straight answers.

Call 407-740-6816