your sewage system include don't allow vehicles to drive over or park on the leaching bed don't build skating rinks or above ground pools on it don't use a garbage disposal or carburetor don't leave interior faucets on to protect water lines during cold spells instead properly insulate or heat your faucets and plumbing don't discharge water softener backwash to the septic system unless your system has been designed for it don't enter a tank gases and lack of oxygen can be fatal don't ignore odors or sogginess around your system some items you flush down a toilet or pour down a drain can significantly reduce the ability of beneficial bacteria in a septic system to break down and treat domestic sewage harmful chemicals and substances will kill helpful bacteria and seriously impact the system's functionality to maintain healthy levels of microorganisms in your system don't use flush or drain antibacterial soaps automatic toilet bowl cleaners flushable wipes or other Sanitary products liquid fabric softeners harsh chemicals food scraps and coffee grounds oils greases and fats drain decloggers cigarette butts Sanitary products or Pharmaceuticals remember to only use natural and biodegradable cleaning products without phosphorus