Educate your household: Ensure everyone in the home knows what should and shouldn't be flushed to prevent costly damage to septic tank systems.
Many of these apply to sewer systems as well (IN RED).
AS STATED IN THE  HOME PAGE,
ANY ISSUES CAUSED BY TENANT(S),
WILL BE AT YOUR FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

Good septic tank care is simple and inexpensive and can prevent costly system failures and repairs. Proper maintenance includes regular pumping, conserving water, and being careful about what goes down your drains. 

1. Maintain your drain field.

The drain field, or leach field, is a vital part of your septic system that removes contaminants from wastewater. Protecting this area is critical for your system's long-term health. 

• Do not drive or park on it. The weight of vehicles or heavy equipment can compact the soil and damage the underground pipes.
• Be selective with landscaping. Plant only grass over the drain field to prevent erosion. Tree and shrub roots can grow into and clog the pipes.
• Redirect excess water. Ensure that roof drains, sump pumps, and other water drainage systems are routed away from the drain field area. Excess water can flood the field and hinder its function. 

2.  Watch what you flush and pour.

Your septic system relies on a balance of naturally occurring bacteria to break down waste. Pouring the wrong things down the drain can kill these bacteria and clog your system. 

• Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Never/Do not flush non-biodegradable like:
• Feminine hygiene products or Diapers: These absorb liquid and create solid waste that can block pipes and overwhelm the tank
• Wipes (Even those labeled "septic-safe" don't break down like toilet paper and can cause clogs)
• Paper Towels and Tissues: These are not designed to break down quickly and can accumulate in the tank
• Dental floss
• Cigarette Butts: These can get stuck in pipes and contribute to solids buildup
• Cat Litter: Some types of cat litter, even "flushable" ones, can cause clogs and are best disposed of in the trash
• Cotton Products: Cotton balls, swabs, and bandages should be thrown in the trash
  
• Avoid putting Fats, Grease, and Oils down the drain: These harden and stick to pipes, creating clogs and building up as a sticky layer in the tank. Collect cooking oil, fats and grease in a container and dispose of it in the trash.
• Limit your garbage disposal use. Food scraps can add excessive solids to your tank, requiring more frequent pumping: While biodegradable, these can cause clogs and disrupt the bacteria needed for the system to work. Scrape food from plates into the garbage instead.
• Use household chemicals sparingly. Harsh chemicals, like drain cleaners, cleaning products, paint, paint thinner, bleach, pesticides, gasoline and antibacterial soaps an kill the beneficial bacteria that treat waste. These items can can clog pipes and harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank, or disrupt the delicate biological balance of the septic tank, leading to costly damage and backups.. For clogs, use a snake or boiling water instead of chemical cleaners.
• Medications: Flushing medications can pollute groundwater and upset the tank's bacterial balance. 
• Avoid septic tank additives. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not recommend using septic tank additives, as they are not necessary for a properly functioning system and some can even be harmful.
• Best Practices for Septic Systems: Use septic-safe toilet paper: Choose toilet paper specifically designed to break down quickly. Limit use of garbage disposals: These add significant solid waste to the tank, so use them sparingly. Dispose of waste properly: Items like food scraps, hygiene products, and medications should be thrown in the trash, recycled, or composted. 

3. Conserve water.

High water use in a short period can flood the drain field and prevent solids from settling correctly in the tank. 

• Stagger your laundry. Spread washing machine use throughout the week instead of doing all loads on one day.
• Use water-efficient fixtures. Installing low-flow toilets and showerheads can significantly reduce the amount of water entering your system.
• Fix leaks promptly. Dripping faucets and running toilets waste water and can contribute to overloading your septic system.