Aerobic Treatment Unit

First, please understand that the State has clearly stated it is the owner's responsibility to operate the aerobic treatment unit in compliance with all regulations - regardless who you hire, and what they do or don't do. 

To keep your maintenance costs to a minimum and insure high effluent quality, the following items should not be flushed down the drain: (Effluent is the treated wastewater that comes from the aerobic treatment unit, that then is applied to your land.)

1. Strong disinfectants or bleaches, other than small amounts used in
   day to day house cleaning and laundries. Recommended cleaning
   products are non-chlorine, non-toxin, non-corrosive and
   biodegradable. Anti-bacterial soaps are strongly discouraged.
2. Backwash discharge from any type of water softener. Water
   softeners will cause an offensive odor and are discouraged with the
   use of aerobic septic systems unless the discharge is into the pump
   tank.
3. Citrus products, coffee grounds, chemical wastes, paint or paint
   thinners, oils or grease (such as used cooking grease), pet
   shampoo, pet dip disinfectant, pesticides, herbicides, automotive
   fluids or any other toxins. Even in small quantities these
   substances can be very harmful to your treatment plant. Do not
   use commercial septic tank additives. These products usually do
   not help and some may harm your system in the long run.
4. Disposable diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins, large quantities of
   paper products, tobacco products, or similar items. Home brewery
   waste, strong medicines and antibiotics. If your doctor has
   prescribed you antibiotics the residual amount in your waste might
   harm the bacteria in the system. You might notice a foul odor
   while using the antibiotics. The system should restore itself in a
   few weeks after the medication is no longer taken.
5. Waste material from a garbage disposal is not recommended.
   Food waste represents additional loading the aerobic treatment unit
   would have to digest, increasing the intervals you will need the
   system pumped out. The food particles will also eventually clog
   your water pump, causing it to fail and need to be replaced.
6. Don't allow hair to flow down your drains into your septic system.
   The hair will eventually find its way to your pump and clog it.
   Clogging will cause your pump motor to burn up and a costly new
   pump will be needed.