Septic Dos and Do Nots

Coast Construction

Septic Dos and Do Nots: Essential Guidelines for Optimal Functionality

As a homeowner or business owner in Whatcom County, WA, maintaining your septic system is crucial for avoiding costly repairs and ensuring a healthy environment. Coast Construction, with over 40 years of experience and expertise in septic systems, provides essential guidelines to help you keep your system running smoothly. Our team of local septic installation experts is dedicated to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Established in 1986, we are a fully licensed and insured family-owned business, trusted by the community for our reliable services.


Contact Coast Construction for comprehensive septic system services, backed by free estimates and a 14-month labor and materials warranty.

DO:

  • Flush only toilet paper and what has passed through you first.
  • Know where your septic is, let it breathe, and protect it.
  • Inspect your tanks and field annually or to manufacturer’s specifications, and perform any maintenance required.
  • Clean septic tank outlet filter and/or pump filter as needed.
  • Use water wisely to reduce the risk of water overloads.
  • Avoid using your garbage disposal.
  • Use phosphate-free detergent.
  • Follow manufacturer’s specifications regarding irrigation, planting, and landscaping.
  • Fix all leaking faucets and toilets as soon as possible to prevent over watering of your system and a high-water alarm.
  • Direct runoff from roofs, streets, driveways, and adjoining properties away from the drainfield and reserve area.
  • Keep septic-tank lids easily accessible and watertight.
  • Keep drainfield area and inspection ports accessible.
  • Locate as-built for your system, or map location of all system components.
  • Keep accurate, detailed records (inspections, pumping, repairs, servicing professionals, etc.).

FOR YOUR SAFETY, DO NOT LEAVE TANK LIDS OR ELECTRICAL PANEL COVERS UNSECURE AT ANY TIME.

DO NOT:

  • DO NOT use tank additives or “miracle” system cleaners.
  • DO NOT use the toilet as a wastebasket.
  • NO diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, tampons, condoms, grease, oils, papers other than toilet paper, plastics, or any other non-biodegradable material.
  • DO NOT dispose of paints or hazardous materials.
  • DO NOT wash grease and oils down the sink no matter how much hot water chases it.
  • DO NOT discard medications (like antibiotics) or antibacterial products down drains.
  • DO NOT drive or park heavy vehicles over the drainfield or reserve drainfield area.
  • DO NOT compact soils of drainfield or reserve in any way.
  • DO NOT cover the drainfield or reserve in any way other than what is recommended by the manufacturer.
  • DO NOT grade, level, fill, or cut drainfield or reserve area.
  • DO NOT plant deep-rooting plants, especially trees and shrubs, in the drainfield or reserve area.
  • DO NOT run storm drainage into the septic system.
  • DO NOT drain water from hot tubs into the system.
  • DO NOT install sprinkler systems in the drainfield.
  • DO NOT allow large animals, (cows, horses, etc.) to enter the drainfield or reserve area.