Dense grass cover and other shallow-rooted plants are beneficial over a drainfield. Keep automobiles, all heavy vehicles and livestock off the drainfield. Mark the boundaries of your drainfield as a reminder. If your system is equipped with a dosing chamber, be sure the submersible pump is operating and properly maintained for uniform discharge of effluent into the absorption field, followed by drainage between doses. Overuse a kitchen garbage disposal unit.
Heavy use adds large quantities of solids and shortens the time between pumpings.
Put harmful materials in the tank. Avoid fats, solvents, oils, disinfectants, paints, chemicals, pesticides, poisons, coffee grounds, paper towels, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins and tampons. Place impermeable materials over your drainfield. Materials such as concrete or plastic reduce evaporation and the supply of oxygen to the soil for proper effluent treatment. They can also hinder access to the system for pumping, inspection, or repair.