Healthy Septic Tank and Drain Field
Healthy Septic Tank and Drain Field
If you have a septic system, it needs to operate in an environment free of
chemical contamination, like anti bacterial soaps, cleansers and paint thinners.
If your system encounters a substantial problem or fails you completely, the
expense may be more than you can afford. Replacing a septic system can cost you
as much as if you were buying a new automobile. You can spend as much as $40,000
or even more on a new septic system. Wouldn’t you rather follow the advice
recommended by septic experts to maintain a healthy septic system that performs
optimally?
You should be mindful of what you are flushing down your toilet. Don’t flush
items such as kitchen napkins, sanitary napkins, baby wipes, and other things
that will not biodegrade and be harmful to the operation of your septic system.
When the soil surrounding your septic system doesn’t allow fluid to pass along,
the system and soil fail. This failure is due to a blockage consisting of solid
waste which turns into bio mat and clogged your system. Another way to eliminate
solid waste from going into your septic tank is to stop using a garbage
disposal. The use of these devices typically doubles the amount of solid
materials entering your septic tank.
Other things you should be mindful of are cleaning products like laundry
detergent, and other cleaners which contain bleach. Powdered laundry detergents
consist of non-biodegradable fillers and can clog your septic system. Also, be
cognizant of oils, pesticides, paint and paint thinners, and other toxic
substances you wash down your drain. They will pollute your groundwater and
interfere with restoring and maintaining a healthy septic environment. Cleaning
products, even antibacterial soaps kill off the good bacteria in your septic
tank which are vital to maintaining a system which operates efficiently.
Next, divert rain water from roofs, driveways, and decks. Steer the water in a
different direction in relation to your drain field. Too much water in the
system may result in your system not fully breaking down solid toxic waste. This
material may still be potentially detrimental to your health.
Using to much water in your household can also interfere with and damage your
septic system. Make sure your toilets aren’t running and check your faucets as
well. Turn the water off in between washing dishes and brushing your teeth. It’s
not only good for your septic system but you will waste less water and save
money in the process. Too much water in your system can overwhelm it and cause
septic problems, like pushing solid wastes out into your drain field. A basic
septic system is only capable of handling a certain volume of water. The number
of times you use your washing machine each week will have an impact on the
amount of water that flows into your septic system. One way not to overwhelm
your system is to try doing two or three loads of wash during the week instead
of waiting a week or two and excessively washing your clothes all in one day.
Typically, your washing machine will use forty or more gallons of water per
load. This is why many loads in one day will raise the odds of your septic tank
flooding.
Too much waste typically means not enough good bacteria to dissolve the solid
waste that builds up in your septic system. The ingredients in daily household
cleaners like dish soap and floor cleaners destroy the beneficial bacteria in
your septic tank. By utilizing septic tank additives packed full of good
bacteria and enzymes, you will maintain a septic system that operates
effectively and efficiently. You will be able to sleep well at night knowing
that your septic tank is functioning properly and breaking down all the solid
waste produced in your household.
If you follow the advice given to you in this article you will have a healthy
septic system. Remember to have your septic system pumped and checked through
the manhole cover every one to three years.
By: Bradley Skierkowski