he septic tank is an essential part of your subsurface wastewater disposal system.  Proper care and maintenance of your septic tank protects the disposal area and will help prolong the life of the disposal system.

• A "starter" is not necessary to stimulate bacterial action in a septic tank.  The bacterium present in the domestic wastewater is adequate for bacterial action and will thrive under normal use.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Maine Department of Human Services, Division of Health Engineering both discourage the addition of septic tank additives.  Septic tank cleaners containing halogenated hydrocarbon compounds are prohibited in Main (38 MRSA 1602).
• whenever possible practice water conservation methods .
• Normal amounts of household detergents, bleaches, and cleaners may be used without stopping the biological activity in the septic tank.   Excessive amounts of any cleaners should not be used.  Do not discharge solvents, paints, fuels, oils, hazardous or special wastes into the tank.   Laws and regulations prohibited this.
• Avoid disposing of greases, fats, coffee grounds, disposable diapers, feminine napkins, or other non-decomposable materials into the septic tank.
• Use of a garbage disposal increases the organic loading rate into a septic tank.  Additional capacity or a septic tank filter is required.
• Avoid "shock loading" or doing excessive loads of laundry in rapid succession.  Space the loads out over time to allow for a rest period between loads.