Septic System Maintenance – Do’s and Don’ts
Proper Care for Your Septic and Mound Systems in Wisconsin
A septic system or mound system is not permanent — it will eventually fail if not properly maintained. Unlike municipal sewer systems that can handle almost anything you flush, septic systems are delicate onsite wastewater treatment systems that require careful use and regular upkeep.
If solids and waste accumulate too quickly, they can clog the system, damage components, and shorten its lifespan. By following these septic system maintenance tips, you can protect your investment, avoid costly repairs, and keep your system operating for decades.
Do’s – Best Practices for Septic System Maintenance
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DO Install a Two-Compartment Tank or Dual Septic Tanks
Reduces the amount of solids reaching the drain field by up to 50%, improving overall system longevity. -
DO Maintain Your Septic Tank Filter
Prevents solids from leaving the tank and clogging your mound or drain field. -
DO Pump or Inspect Your Tank Annually
Regular inspections help identify early signs of sludge buildup or damage before problems escalate. -
DO Install a Washing Machine Lint Filter
Prevents fibers from clogging your system — a common and preventable cause of blockage. -
DO Keep Manhole Covers Accessible and Locked
Easy access speeds up maintenance and emergency service, while locks prevent unauthorized access and ensure safety for children and pets.
‘Wipes’ Are the Worst!
Never flush wipes of any kind — baby wipes, cleaning wipes, makeup remover wipes, or “flushable” wipes — into your septic system. They do not break down, even if the packaging claims they will, and can cause severe blockages.
Don’ts – Practices That Can Damage Your Septic System
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Don’t Install a Garbage Disposal
Increases fine particles, oils, and grease buildup, which accelerates system failure. -
Don’t Pour Oils, Grease, or Fats Down the Drain
These substances solidify, trap solids, and cause faster accumulation inside the tank. -
Don’t Use Septic Additives Without Professional Advice
Many products do nothing, and some can harm your system or the environment. -
Don’t Connect Your Water Softener to the Septic System
Excess water volume and salt from softeners can damage the system. Direct discharge outside instead. -
Don’t Flush Medicines, Cigarette Butts, or Non-Toilet Paper Items
Pharmaceuticals can contaminate groundwater, and small debris can cause clogs. Toilet paper should be the only paper product entering the system.
Do not think of your toilet as a method of disposing of objects that wouldn’t normally go in your toilet. Items as small as cigarette butts are detrimental to the system due to the particles which could accumulate in the system.
Just because an item “fits down the toilet” does not mean it won’t clog your system! Toilet paper should be the ONLY paper product making it into the system.
Additional Tips for Long-Term Septic Health
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Use a High-Efficiency, Demand-Based Water Softener
If your softener must connect to your septic, choose a demand-initiated model instead of a timer-based unit to reduce excess water flow. -
Spread Out Laundry Loads
Avoid overloading your system with high water volumes all at once. -
Landscape Carefully Around Your Drain Field
Keep trees and deep-rooted plants away to prevent root intrusion. -
Divert Surface Water Away
Ensure gutters, sump pumps, and landscape grading do not direct water toward your mound or drain field.Professional Septic Services in Wisconsin
At Herr Construction, we’ve been helping homeowners across Wisconsin install, maintain, and repair septic and mound systems for decades. Whether you need a routine inspection, filter cleaning, or emergency repair, our licensed septic experts are here to help.
Call us today at 262-968-2550 to schedule your septic system service and keep your system performing at its best.