Category: Septic & Sewer

A Guide to Your Septic System

9/22/2026

Read and follow the Dos and Don’ts listed below:

Conserve water to reduce the amount of wastewater that must be treated and disposed.
Repair leaking faucets and toilets promptly.
Only discharge biodegradable wastes into system.
Divert down spouts and other surface water away from your soil treatment area
Keep your septic tank cover accessible for tank inspections and pumping. • If lid is at grade, make sure lid is locked or secured and if possible, a secondary safety device is installed. •
Have your effluent screen inspected and cleaned once a year. Make sure that the screen is ALWAYS replaced after cleaning. •
Have your septic tank pumped regularly and inspected for leaks and cracks. •
Call a professional when you have problems. •
Compost your garbage or put it in the trash instead of putting it down the sink. •
Make sure any water conditioning or softening equipment is approved for use with your system and that it is properly set for your water conditioning/softening needs and operating correctly.

DON’T

Flush wipes, sanitary napkins, tampons, disposable diapers, condoms, cat litter and such products into your system. •
Dump solvents, oils, paints, thinners, disinfectants, pesticides or poisons down the drain; these can disrupt the treatment process and contaminate groundwater. •
Dig in your soil treatment area or build anything over it. •
Plant anything over your soil treatment area except grass. •
Drive over your soil treatment area or compact the soil in any way. •
Use a garbage disposal. (They are not recommended, but if one is present, make sure the system is designed with appropriate additional capacity.) SAFETY FIRST! •

NEVER physically enter a septic tank or other parts of the treatment system.

Call your service provider! • Keep access areas locked at all times to prevent unauthorized entry; if possible add a secondary safety device to prevent accidents.

DOWNLOAD HOMEOWNERS SEPTIC SYSTEM GUIDE

Septic System Policy in Michigan

2/11/2026

Below are helpful resources mentioned in the Septic System Policy in Michigan video.

Find your state Senator: https://senate.michigan.gov/senators/all-senators/
Find your state Representative: https://www.house.mi.gov/#findARepresentativeForm
About Michigan Saves Loan Program for septic replacement: Septic System Replacement | Michigan Saves Loan Program
EPA Inspection Recommendations: https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

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