Aerobic Septic Do's and Don'ts | Polk County Homeowners

Give the system steady, reasonable use.

• Spread high-water-use chores out instead of stacking several loads at once.
• Pay attention to alarms, unusual odors, wet areas, or changes in the spray pattern.
• Keep the system area accessible for the maintenance provider.
• Keep service records, permit information, and equipment documentation if you have them.
• Ask the provider before changing landscaping, paving, or construction around system components or the disposal area.
• Use wastewater-approved chlorine products only where the system is designed to use them.

Do not treat the system like a hidden trash can.

• Do not flush wipes, hygiene products, grease, or other non-wastewater materials simply because they fit down the drain.
• Do not ignore a recurring alarm or a sewage backup.
• Do not open or enter septic tanks.
• Do not bypass floats, timers, alarms, pumps, or electrical controls.
• Do not use swimming-pool chlorine tablets in a wastewater chlorinator.
• Do not drive or build over septic components or disposal areas without professional guidance.

Protect the equipment and disposal area.

Rural properties change over time. Homeowners add shops, patios, driveways, fences, landscaping, pools, sheds, and other improvements. Before placing something over or near the septic system, find out where the tanks, piping, and disposal area are located and ask an appropriate OSSF professional whether the project affects the system.

For aerobic spray systems, keep the spray area usable and watch for damaged heads or discharge reaching places it should not. If the yard becomes unexpectedly wet or has a persistent sewage odor, keep people and pets away from the affected area and get the system evaluated.

Keep the relationship with the system simple.

You do not need to become your own septic technician to be a responsible homeowner. Notice changes, keep basic records, use the right products, and let qualified providers handle diagnosis and internal tank or electrical work.

Polk County has local aerobic-system maintenance requirements. Confirm current requirements with the county or your maintenance provider rather than relying on an old contract or a neighbor’s schedule.