Here are nine simple steps that the US EPA suggested in order to keep your septic system working, with additional comments added by an experienced septic system inspector.

1. Locate your septic tank and drainfield. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
2. Have your septic system pumped and inspected at least every three years.
3. Don't dispose of household hazardous wastes (paint thinner, paint, oil, gasoline, etc.) in sinks or toilets
4. Keep other household items out of your system (diapers, baby wipes, wrappers, feminine products, cigarette butts, garbage of any kind)
5. Use water efficiently. Reducing water usage reduces the load on your drainfield
6. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drainfield.
7. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
8. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system. And very important, keep surface runoff and subsurface runoff away from the septic tank and drainfield
9. Check with your septic contractor before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system