Have your tank inspected annually to make sure there are no developing problems that can get out of control. Get your tank pumped every three to five years. Regular pumping reduces the chance of solids flowing into and clogging the drain field. Once the drain field is destroyed, no amount of pumping can bring it back into service. Use phosphate-free detergents and limit use of bleach.
Phosphates can cause excessive algae in nearby surface waters.
Too much bleach will kill healthy microbial populations in your tank. Keep cars and trucks off the septic tank and drain field area to prevent pipes from breaking. Do not use garbage disposals. They increase the amount of solids and grease in the septic tank, which may result in drain field failure. They have never been found to work and can even harm the system by causing solids to flow into and clog the system.