- 1). Measure sludge depth yearly by wrapping a towel around a stick and lowering it into the tank. If the sludge level is less than 3 inches from the top of the tank, you need to clean it.
- 2). Keep water use low. Karen Mancl and Brian Slater of Ohio State University say to spread laundry throughout the week rather than doing it all on one day to avoid flooding the drain field. Use drain cleaner only when necessary.
- 3). Pump the septic system at least every three years if you do not have a garbage disposal, recommends the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. If you do have a disposal, the DEP advises pumping it annually.
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