Learn More About Septic Systems
The septic tank is only one part of an on-site wastewater system. It is designed to remove solids prior to the effluent proceeding to the soil absorption area, provide for the digestion of a portion of those solids, and store the remaining solids. Biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate decomposition. Garbage grinders impose an additional solids load on the system. Solids must be removed periodically to prevent them from entering the soil absorption area. Your septic tank should be pumped and inspected every three to five years
Because Septic Systems Are Considerable Investments For Homeowners And Businesses
the Department of Environmental Quality advises that following some basic rules to avoid costly repairs, prevent septic waste from backing up into the house and contamination to ground and surface water
- Basically, do not flush anything but toilet paper and bodily waste down the toilet.
- Never flush “disposable” wipes. They do not decompose. The same goes for feminine hygiene products. These can clog and damage the system.
- Avoid disposing of toxic chemicals, paints, gasoline, pesticides, and old medicines down the drain.
- Avoid pouring fats, grease, or food waste down the drain. Scrape these into the trash or compost before washing dishes.
- Plant native, drought-tolerant plants around the system rather than trees and shrubbery whose roots can grow into the drain lines.
- Avoid parking or driving on a system's drain field or septic tank.
- Spread out any major water use to avoid overloading the system.
- We don’t recommend putting any special bacterial enzymes into the system.
- Using less bleach can help. Bleach kills the bacteria that grow naturally and breaks down solid waste.
Preventing Emergency Service Calls
If you are having problems with your septic system, then we can offer advice concerning its maintenance. We often get calls about gurgling noises, slow drainage and smells coming up from the tank. Our customers want to know what to do. Call us if you have any of these happening. The worst case is when septic waste comes back up into a house, flooding a basement, toilet or tub or house. Problems like these are all indications that your system is not flowing correctly. Additional septic tank problems can occur when tree roots invade the system or if there is a high-water table. Cleaning your property’s septic tank regularly as well as maintaining your system can prevent emergency service calls.
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