The bacteria in your system can be killed off or inhibited for many reasons; below is a list of items that you want to avoid putting into your system:

• Excessive quantities of detergents, laundry waste, bleach, household chemicals and caustic drain openers.
• Garbage disposal grinds will increase the amount of solids. These grinds break down more slowly even though they are mostly organic. This can cause problems in the system before it has a chance to break down.
• Non-biodegradable items, such as: plastic, scouring pads, condoms, mop strings, “disposable” diapers, towels, lint rags, etc.
• Paint thinners, Paint, chemicals, grease, solvents and sanitizers. Use another material to solidify these; like cat litter, and then place in a carton or can.
• Cigarette butts, or sanitary napkins may be biodegradable, but they are not readily decomposable.
• Water softener backwash.
• Plumbing cleaners. Avoid using these products.
• Medicines (over-the-counter and prescription) down the drain. Here again, such substances have an adverse effect on your system's bacteria, and can contaminate groundwater in your area.
• Septic system "additives." Many states ban the use of acids and chemicals advertised as septic system "cleaners" or "degreasers." Chemicals destroy the bacteria in your tank and can cause leach field clogging, damage to leach field soil and, over time, groundwater contamination. Acids corrode concrete tanks and distribution boxes, causing leaks. Biological septic system "additives" (e.g., bacteria, enzymes, yeast) sold to "jump-start" your system or "counter-act" the effects of household chemical usage are generally not actively harmful, but they are unnecessary. In the case of some enzymes additives, solids carry-over to your leach field can result. Proper care and maintenance (including regular plumping), not septic additives, is the only sure way to promote a healthy septic system. (www.septic-info.com)

Landscaping
• Water-loving trees and shrubs with deep root systems can cause major problems with your leach field. If these types of trees or shrubs exist on your property near your leach field, they should be (carefully) removed. (No leach field should be sited in a spot that already had trees and shrubs growing abundantly.) As the tips below suggest, you can minimize leach field problems caused by root systems (e.g., roots cracking, growing into and otherwise interfering with your leach field’s chambers or pipes) by making wise leach field plant choices!

Plants for Good Leachfield Gardening


Don't allow your leachfield to be compacted or physically damaged!
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Ensuring that your leachfield is undisturbed by vehicular traffic, machinery, blacktop or any other compacting, crushing or damaging forces is essential. Two critical things are at risk: your leachfield's absorption capacity and the integrity of the underground chambers or pipes that distribute effluent across your leachfield. Avoid these risks by following the guidelines below:

• Dig carefully with a spade when planting on or near your leach field. Never use shovels, backhoes or any other earth-moving machinery in the vicinity of your leachfield.
• Don't park or drive vehicles over your leachfield. This will compact the soil and reduce its effectiveness in treating wastewater. It could also damage your leachfield's chambers or pipes.
• Don't store any machinery, soil or construction materials on your leachfield. Homeowner's projects are best carried out elsewhere!
• Don’t install patios, basketball courts or any other impermeable surfaces over or within 10 feet of your leachfield.
• Don't worry about the occasional foot-traffic your leachfield receives from children playing or from gentle gardening activities.