While everyone knows that septic tanks need periodic septic tank pumping, most people do not realize that septic systems are sensitive to what goes into the system and how those items impact on the way the system functions as well as its lifespan. Excessive water, non-biodegradable material and chemicals are especially hard on septic systems.
Excessive water is hard on septic systems because the system does not have a chance to recover. The system works by allowing solids to be separated from the liquids, with the liquids flowing into the drainfield. The solids are collected at the bottom of the tank where there are eaten by various bacteria. When toilets are running or multiple loads of laundry are washed back to back, the solids and liquids are not given enough time to separate and find their way into the drainfield, which is designed to process liquids only.
What goes into the septic system is also critical and anyone with a septic system needs to be careful in what is put in the toilet or into a drain. This includes items such as dental floss, cigarettes, tampons, cat litter, diapers, Kleenex, Q-Tips, condoms and paper towels. It is recommended that food, including food ground up in a garbage disposal not be introduced into the septic system. Chemicals such as bleach, household cleaners, gas, turpentine, mineral spirits, paint or grease should never be poured down the drains or flushed. These items, while a liquid, kill the bacteria in the septic system. . Basically, unless it came out of a person’s body, it should not find its way into the septic system!
Posted on behalf of Septic Service Pro
