What You Need To Know!

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The septic system is a small, on-site sewage treatment and disposal system buried into the ground.  The system has two essential parts:  the tank, and the soil absorption area.

Solid material overflowing into the soil absorption area should be avoided at all costs.  It is the overflow that clogs the soil's pores and causes septic systems to fail.  Two main factors cause solid material to build up enough to cause an overflow:  bacterial deficiency and lack of sludge removal.

BACTERIA  MUST BE PRESENT in the septic tank to break down and digest the organic solids.  Normal household

waste usually provides enough bacteria to digest the solids UNLESS any harm is done to the bacteria.  Bacteria is very sensitive

to environmental changes.  Check the labels on products you use in the house; products carrying the harsh warning "HARMFUL OR FATAL IF SWALLOWED" are most likely harmful to bacteria as well.  The following commonly-used home-care products can reduce the bacteria population required for proper septic tank operation, EVEN WHEN USED ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIONS:

• detergents
• disinfectants
• toilet cleaners
• bleaches
• acids
• polishes
• cleaning compounds
• sink & tub cleaners
• caustic drain openers

Bacteria must be present to digest the scum.  If not digested, the scum will accumulate until it overflows and clogs the soil absorption area.  The sludge in the septic tank - inorganic and inert material - is not biodegradable and will not decompose.  If it is not removed, the sludge will also accumulate until it eventually overflows and clogs the soil absorption area.

Healthy Septic Tank

Unhealthy Septic Tank

Septic System Do's and Don'ts

DO learn the location of your septic tank and absorption area.  Keep a sketch of it with your maintenance record handy for service visits.

DO have your septic tank cleaned regularly by a licensed professional every 2-3 years.

DO keep your septic tank cover accessible for inspections and cleanings.  Have risers installed if necessary.

DO call a professional whenever you experience problems with your septic system, or if there are any signs of system failure.

DO keep a detailed record of repairs, pumpings, inspections, permits issued, and other maintenance activities.

DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system.  Be sure to repair any leaky faucets or toilets.

DO divert other sources of water (i.e. roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps) away from the septic system.  Excessive water overloads the soil in the absorption area and keeps it from naturally cleansing the wastewater.

DON'T go down into a septic tank.  Toxic gases are produced by the natural treatment processes in septic tanks and can kill in minutes.  Extreme care should be taken when inspecting a septic tank, even when just looking in.

DON'T allow anyone to drive or park over any part of the system.

DON'T plant anything over or near the absorption area except grass.  Roots from nearby trees or shrubs may clog and damage the drain lines. 

DON'T dig in your absorption area, build anything over it, or cover the absorption area with a hard surface (i.e. concrete or asphalt).  The area over the absorption area should have only a grass cover.  The grass will not only prevent erosion, but will help remove excess water.

DON'T use your toilet as a trash can or poison your septic system and groundwater by pouring harmful chemicals and cleansers down the drain.  Harsh chemicals can kill the beneficial bacteria that treat your wastewater.

DON'T use a garbage disposal without checking with your local regulatory agency to make sure that your septic system can accommodate this additional waste.

DON'T allow backwash from home water softeners to enter the septic system.

DON'T flush the following objects:

• Coffee grounds
• Dental Floss
• Disposable Diapers
• Cat litter
• Sanitary napkins
• Feminine hygiene products
• Cigarette butts
• Condoms
• Fat, Grease or oil
• Paper towels

DON'T flush hazardous chemicals, such as: 

• Paints
• Varnishes
• Thinners
• Waste oils
• Photographic solutions

This pages exists to server our customers and future customers.  Please call 715-342-8020 with questions regarding your septic system.  We're changing th way people view the septic business.

Address:  314 Martins Lane, Stevens Point Wisconsin 54481

Phone:  (715) 342-8020 | email:  prosepticservice@yahoo.com