Aerobic Septic Do’s and Don’ts Every Homeowner Should Know

“Just Because It Fits… Doesn’t Mean It Flushes.”

Most homeowners don’t think much about their septic system… until the alarm goes off or the system starts doing something suspicious.

The truth is, most septic problems don’t happen overnight. They usually start with small habits that add unnecessary stress on the system.

A few simple aerobic septic do’s and don’ts can go a long way toward keeping your aerobic septic system running the way it was designed.

The Do's

Do Keep Your System Accessible

Keep the system accessible for inspections and pumping. Avoid landscaping over tanks, control panels, and spray heads. Those green lids may not be the highlight of your yard, but they serve an important purpose.

Do Call Your Provider at the First Sign of Trouble

If something doesn’t seem right — alarms going off, unusual spray patterns, or other issues — it’s best to have it checked sooner rather than later.

Do Keep Records

Maintain records of your system including:

• system location• make and model• tank capacity• installation date• service agreement• inspection reports• repairs• pumping dates

Having this information handy makes troubleshooting much easier.

Do Use Water Wisely

Conserving water helps prevent overloading the system. Fix leaks promptly and spread out high water-use activities.

Running multiple loads of laundry all in one day can overwhelm the system, so it’s best to stagger laundry throughout the week.

Do Divert Other Water Sources

Surface water, roof runoff, and other outside water sources should not drain toward the septic system. Extra water entering the system can affect how it operates.

Do Familiarize Yourself With Your System

Understanding how your aerobic system works helps you recognize potential issues early.

Do Check Your Chlorinator

Check the chlorinator periodically — anywhere from once a week to once a month depending on water usage — and add chlorine tablets as needed.

Just make sure they’re chlorine tablets designed for aerobic septic systems.

Do Pump the System When Recommended

Your provider will monitor sludge levels and recommend pumping when necessary.

Do Store Chlorine Properly

Chlorine tablets should be stored properly to avoid damage to tools, surfaces, and nearby electrical components.

Do Treat Ant Problems Around Electrical Components

If ants are found around the control panel, compresser, tank lids, treat them appropriately. Ants sometimes find their way into these areas and can cause $100's in damage. Ants love electricity!

Do Check Your Toilets if Your System is Alarming

Often times you will get an alarm if you have a stuck toilet.

The Don’ts

Don’t Flush Things That Don’t Belong

Your toilet is not a trash can.

Items like tampons, cigarette butts, condoms, wipes, medications, and other non-biodegradable items should never be flushed.

Even products labeled “flushable” should not enter the septic system.

Don’t Pour Grease Down the Drain

Grease and excessive food waste can disrupt the treatment process and create blockages.

Don’t Use Drain Cleaners or Harsh Chemicals

Harsh chemicals and cleaners can harm the beneficial bacteria that help treat wastewater and may also affect groundwater. Bleech in moderation is fine.

Don’t Use Pool Chlorine Tablets

Pool tablets dissolve differently and can damage components of the system. Only septic-approved chlorine tablets should be used.

Don’t Drive or Park Over the System

Tanks, pipes, and spray lines are buried underground. Heavy vehicles driving over them can cause costly damage.

Don’t Make Alterations Without Permit

If changes or modifications to the system are needed, proper permits must be obtained before work is performed.

Don’t Attempt Major Repairs Yourself

Sealed components of aerobic units should only be serviced by authorized professionals.

What Can You Flush Into an Aerobic Septic System? This is the Biggie Part of Aerobic Septic Do's and Don'ts

A simple rule of thumb is that septic systems are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper.

Items such as wipes, paper towels, feminine products, diapers, medications, and other household waste should never be flushed. Even products labeled “flushable” can create problems in septic systems.

When in doubt, it’s best to keep it simple:

If it didn’t come from the human body and isn’t toilet paper, it probably shouldn’t be flushed.

The Goal -

When everything is working properly, an aerobic septic system does its job quietly in the background.

And honestly, that’s exactly how it should be.

Because when septic systems start demanding attention… it usually means something has gone wrong. The above aerobic septic do's and don'ts will definitely help.

Coleman Aerobic Septic

Serving homeowners throughout Granbury, Hood County, Somervell County, and Erath County for more than 23 years.

Septic work isn’t glamorous — but keeping your system running properly is what we do best.