Healthy Septic Tank Systems
If you have a septic system, it needs to operate in a hygienic environment, free of contamination like solid waste. 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 $60,000 or even more on a new septic system depending on your geographical location. 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, tampons, baby wipes and other things that are not biodegrade and may harm the operation of your septic system. When the soil surrounding your septic system doesn’t allow fluid to pass along, the system and soil permeability will fail. This failure is due to a blockage consisting of solid waste which migrate out into the drain field 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. Raw vegetables and table scraps typically require a longer digestion period than human organics or waste. 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 healthy septic 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 a reduction in bacteria and your system will not fully breaking down solid toxic waste. Using to much water use 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 based on the design of the system. 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 too 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 for years to come. Remember to have your septic system pumped and checked through the manhole cover every one to three years.