If you have been researching septic systems on the internet or by talking to friends and neighbors, you may have noticed that are many different and conflicting opinions on how well a septic system works and what you can and cannot do if you have a septic system. Some people will tell you that they have had their septic system for 20 years, never had it pumped out, and never needed septic tank repairs. Others will tell horror stories about septic systems that failed within the first couple years.
Some people will tell you to use an additive and others will say that additives ruin your septic system. Garbage disposals are another contentious subject. There are just as many people who say that a garbage disposal will cause problems with your septic system as there are those who have been using garbage disposals on a septic system without any problems.
There are a couple reasons why there is so much conflicting information about septic systems. One reason is that every septic system is different. How well a septic system performs depends on the size, how well it was designed and installed, the soil underneath the septic field, how well the septic system is cared for, whether it gets regular inspections and septic tank pumping, and other variables.
In addition, a septic system can take a lot of abuse for many years before it finally fails. Since it is buried underground, there is no way to tell that a problem is slowly developing other than periodic inspections and septic tank pumping and even those cannot give you a really good idea of the health of the drain field. In most cases, there will be little warning that a drain field is getting clogged until the system starts to back up.
What one septic system can handle may cause another septic system to fail. In addition, many people who say “we have been doing that for years without a problem” are actually doing harm to their septic system, but it hasn’t quite failed yet. The best source of information on your septic system is from a local, reputable sewer-septic professional who has inspected and evaluated the condition of your system and can advise you on what your system can handle.
