Phone: 231-590-4352

Fax: 231-947-8579

E-mail: butch@butchstrait.com

To contact us:

Septic systems are a very simple way to treat household wastewater and are easy to operate and maintain.

Homeowners must take an active role in maintaining the septic system. To have a healthy, long lasting and

trouble free system, follow tbese guidelines:

• Direct all wastewater from your bome into the septic tank. This includes all sink, bath,

shower, toilet, washing machine and dishwasher wastewater. Any of these waters can

contain disease-causing microorganisms or environmental pollutants.

• Do not direct storm water from your garage or driveway into or onto the septic tank or

drainfield.

• Do not drive on the drainfield. Compaction of the soil doesn't allow for air to infiltrate the

system. There is also the possibility of crushing parts of the system.

• Conserve water to avoid overloading the septic system. Be sure to repair any leaky faucets

or toilets. Use low-flow fixtures. This is probably the number one cause offield failure.

• Do not use caustic drain openers for a clogged drain. Instead, use boiling water or a drain

snake to open clogs.

• Do not use septic tank additives, commercial septic tank cleansers, yeast, sugar, etc. These

products are not necessary and some may be harmful to your system.

• Use commercial bathroom cleaners and laundry detergents in moderation. Many people

prefer to clean their toilets, sinks, showers, and tubs with a mild detergent or baking soda.

The new cleaners and band cleaners are designed to kill bacteria. This is good for the

health of the people but is bad for a septic tank. The same elements in the soap to kill

germs also kill bacteria in the septic tank. These bacteria are needed to break down the

solids.

• Water softeners require large quantities of water to backwash. This system is npt designed

for this volume of water. Please be sure to minimize usage, provide other means to

dispose of this water, or omit water softeners all together.

• The septic system is not a trashcan. Do not put grease, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins,

tampons, condoms, paper towels, plastics, cat litter, latex paint, pesticides, or other

hazardous chemicals into your system. These items quickly fill your septic tank with

solids, decrease the efficiency, and will require that you pump out the septic tank more

frequently. They may also clog the sewer line causing wastewater to back up into you

home. Hazardous chemicals can destroy the biological digestion-taking place within the

septic system.

• Garbage disposals increase the amount of solids in the wastewater which can reduce the life

span of the septic system and increase the need for maintenance. They also introduce

material that has not been processed by a human and this destroys the bacteria that are

working in the septic to break down the solids.

• Keep records of repairs, pumping, inspections, permits issued, and other system

maintenance activities.

• Have the septic tanks inspected every year and pumped as necessary based on the

inspections by a licensed contractor.

• Don't make or allow repairs to your septic system without obtaining the required health

department permit. Use professional licensed septic contractors when needed.

• This is a very hazardous environment do not attempt to repair the system yourself.