How Do I Maintain My Septic System?

Healthy bacteria in the septic tank breaks down waste

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

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Q We recently moved to the country and for the first time have our own private well and septic system. I’m getting conflicting advice on proper septic system maintenance. I’ve been told to have the tank pumped, add bacteria, feed the bacteria and even throw in a dead squirrel, all to keep the tank in good shape. Can you give me the straight poop?

A You need a healthy tankful of bacteria to break down waste, but chances are, you’ve got plenty of bacteria in your septic tank already-there’s no need to add more. Bacteria break down the solid waste not only in the tank but also out in the drainfield. The key is to keep the existing bacteria alive and healthy. Septic tank starters, feeders and cleaners are ineffective except in certain extreme cases, and they may actually harm the system.

You can greatly increase the life of your septic system if you conserve water and maintain your system properly. Here’s how to add decades to the life of a new or middle-aged septic system:

Practice water conservation.
Large volumes of water, especially when delivered to the septic system over short periods, flush suspended, untreated particles into the drainfield and clog it. Bathrooms account for 60 percent of the water used in a typical home, so that’s the first place to start saving. Replace old toilets with low-flow models or retrofit existing ones with water-filled jugs or even bricks to reduce the flush volume. Take short showers, use reduced-flow showerheads and shut off the tap when shaving or brushing your teeth. Wash full loads of clothes or set the washing machine water level for smaller ones. Scatter loads throughout the week. Avoid doing multiple back-to-back loads. Adjust water softeners for the minimum amount of regenerating that will still give you acceptable water.

Don’t send bacteria-killing toxins down the drain.
These include drain cleaners, bleaches, antibacterial soaps, disinfectants, discarded prescription medicines, oil-based paints and solvents, and shower cleaners.

Don’t send anything down the drain that can’t be broken down.
It will clog the drain field. Latex paint, drywall compound, cooking grease or oil, cigarette butts, coffee grounds and feminine hygiene products are a few examples. Don’t install a garbage disposer; instead, compost kitchen waste. If you already have a disposer, use it sparingly.

Have your septic tank inspected every other year and pumped as necessary to remove scum and sludge.
Look under “Septic Tanks” in your Yellow Pages.

TIP
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