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Maintaining a Septic System

Maintain healthy septic tanks by pumping them out every few years, avoiding excessive water use, and not adding harmful chemicals

By the experts at The Family Handyman

From The Family Handyman

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Q. I want to know what causes septic systems to fail. Do you have to do anything to encourage bacteria? Every guy at the coffee shop has an opinion on this subject. I want to hear from the experts.

A. The main cause of failure is neglecting to pump out the tank every one to three years. Excessive scum and sludge leak from a full tank of solid waste into the drain field and plug the sand, gravel and soil. This prevents the normal filtering of wastewater that enters the drain field—and the whole system backs up.

Two other main causes of failure are excessive water use over short time periods (many laundry loads or showers in one day) and adding harmful chemicals. As a high volume of wastewater enters the septic tank, an equal volume must exit into the drain field. This high volume churns the tank and the suspended sludge, scum and non-biodegradable products (see “Clog-causing materials” below) travel with the waste-water to clog the drain field.

Other septic stoppers

• Improper design or installation

• Clogged or broken pump (mound system only)

• Frozen pipes

• Saturated drain field soils

Regarding your bacteria question, no, you do not need starters, feeders or other additives to keep your septic system’s millions of naturally occurring bacteria in good health. Those hungry bacteria will continue to break down solids if you limit disposal of harmful products and harsh chemicals into your septic system (see list).

For more advice, the University of Minnesota offers good troubleshooting articles at www.extension.umn.edu. Click on “Environment,” then “Waste Management.”

Clog-causing materials

• Tissues (only flush toilet paper)

• Feminine hygiene products

• Cigarette butts

• Food particles (from disposer)

• Grease and oils

• Lint (from clothes washer)

• Anything that won’t break down

Bacteria-harming chemicals

• Paints and solvents

• Pesticides and fertilizers

• Bleach, disinfectants and antibacterial soaps

• Drain cleaners and acids

• Prescription antibiotics and other medications

From The Family Handyman - July/August 2004

• • Exterior Projects
• Home Repair
• • Plumbing Projects

• How Do I Maintain My Septic System?
• Healthy bacteria in the septic tank breaks down waste
• 
• How to Handle a Frequently Clogged Septic System
• Removable septic tank filters can become clogged from too much grease, fat or food scraps or other non-degradable waste.
• 
• Eliminate Drain Odor
• Stop floor drains and unused traps from drying out with vegetable oil
•