Septic System Dos and Don'ts for Western Washington Homeowners

Septic Dos and Don'ts for Homeowners

Your daily habits have a direct impact on how long your septic system lasts. Follow these guidelines to protect your investment.

✅ DO:

• Pump every 3–5 years (or as recommended based on your household size)
• Use septic-safe toilet paper — single-ply breaks down much faster
• Spread laundry loads throughout the week to avoid overwhelming the system
• Keep records of all pumpings, inspections, and repairs
• Protect your drain field — keep vehicles, heavy equipment, and deep-rooted trees off it

❌ DON'T:

• Flush wipes — even "flushable" wipes don't break down and clog systems
• Pour grease or cooking oil down the drain — it solidifies and clogs pipes
• Use garbage disposals heavily — they add 50% more solids to your tank
• Dump chemicals (paint, solvents, bleach, pharmaceuticals) into drains — they kill the beneficial bacteria your system needs
• Plant trees near your drain field — roots will infiltrate and destroy it
• Ignore slow drains — they're an early warning system

Special Note for ATU Owners

Antibacterial soaps and harsh cleaning products can damage the biological treatment process in aerobic systems. Use septic-safe products whenever possible.

Questions about your system? Call Blackwater Services at (425) 777-4545.