All septic systems depend on a delicate balance of living microorganisms and organic matter in order to process sewage. This balance can be disturbed by misuse and lack of maintenance. Outlined below are some of the many best practices every septic system owner should implement to maximize the performance and life of their septic systems.
- Have the solids pumped from the septic tank periodically but not too often. Most state or local government health departments have specific regulations regarding the frequency of pumping septic systems. Pumping the septic tank too often can deplete the amount of bacteria in the septic tank which affects the septic systems ability to treat the waste water. Depletion of bacteria in the tank will allow more suspended solids to flow into the drain field for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
- Repair all leaky faucets and fixtures. Continuously leaking water can cause hydraulic overloading of septic systems, reducing hold time. Reduced hold time will allow more suspended solids to flow into the drain field for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
- Do not use flush-activated toilet bowl tablets or treatments. These contain excessive amounts of bleach or other chemicals which will kill bacteria in the tank, allowing more suspended solids to flow into the drain field for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
- Install lint traps on all laundry washing machines. When a laundry washing machine drains, lint can make its way into septic systems. Lint does not readily degrade and can permanently clog a drain field.
- Do not flush inorganic materials such as cigarette butts, plastic wrappers, feminine sanitary products, or disposable diapers down the toilet. Inorganic material is impossible for the bacteria to digest and can permanently clog a drain field.
- Keep garbage disposal use to a minimum. Excessive introduction of organic material into septic systems can overload the bacteria, allowing more suspended solids to flow into the drainfield for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
- Keep the use of household cleansers containing chlorine bleach to a minimum. These cleansers will kill bacteria in septic systems, allowing more suspended solids to flow into the drainfield for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth. Keep the use of antibacterial soaps to a minimum. Antibacterial soaps will kill bacteria in septic systems, allowing more suspended solids to flow into the drainfield for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
- Be aware of the amount of water introduced into septic systems per day or week. Hydraulic overloading can occur if the rate of water discharge exceeds the septic systems processing capacity.
- Install water conserving fixtures such as toilets, shower heads, laundry washing machines, dishwashers, and faucets. They will reduce the possibility of hydraulic overloading. Hydraulic overloading will reduce hold time, allowing more suspended solids to flow into the drainfield for a period of time resulting in excessive biomat growth.
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