Septic systems are certainly a crucial component of many homes which are not connected to municipal sewage systems, yet there’s often misinformation about how to maintain and treat septic systems. This misinformation can lead homeowners to make poor decisions when it comes to the products they use and the services they choose to utilize; all of which could lead to costly damages. In this post, we’ll go over the most common septic system myths and offer guidance on what really works to keep your septic system functioning at its highest level of efficiency and effectiveness.
The Reality: Many homeowners will believe they must add special additives to their septic tank system to assist in breaking down waste solids, which in turn helps to maintain the system. While this may be true for certain households, the vast majority of septic systems are designed effectively without these additives. The natural bacteria produced by human waste is typically sufficient enough to break down the waste solids within the septic tank. While certain additives may not harm the septic system, they’re often unnecessary and could potentially disrupt the natural balance of the septic environment within the septic tank.
The Reality: When cleaning your house, you may use bleach and other harsh chemicals to clean, and you may believe the harsh chemicals will “clean” the septic tank and reduce odors. This could not be further from the truth. These harsh chemicals will often kill the good bacteria throughout your septic tank which are essential for breaking down waste efficiently and effectively. When you use harsh cleaning chemicals consistently, you’re likely disrupting your septic tank’s bacterial balance and overall performance. Instead of using harsh cleaning chemicals, use septic-safe products labeled as being friendly to bacteria life within your septic system.
The Reality: No matter how well you may have maintained your septic system, regular pumping of your septic tank is required. The frequency of pumping will often depend on the overall size of your septic tank and the number of people in your household. It’s typically recommended to have your septic tank pumped about every three to five years. Septic tank pumping is crucial to remove the solid sludge which accumulates at the bottom of the tank, which may ultimately cause blockages if left unchecked.
The Reality: Despite the marketing of flushable wipes being labeled as “septic-safe”, they’re often not septic-safe. Flushable wipes can quickly clog pipes and lead to septic system backups when flushed. It’s a good idea to avoid flushing anything other than septic-safe toilet paper and human waste.
The Reality: Many homeowners believe introducing more bacteria through septic tank supplements will help their septic systems run much more efficiently. While it’s certainly true bacteria are essential for decomposing waste, the naturally occurring bacteria from human waste is usually more than enough for well-maintained septic systems. When you choose to introduce additional bacteria into your septic system, it could lead to a disruption in the septic system’s bacterial balance.
The Reality: Even if you have carefully maintained your septic tank system for many years, it will eventually need to be replaced, as there may be structural failures such as cracks or groundwater issues developing. Conducting regular inspections can help properly forecast when a replacement is necessary
The Reality: Septic tanks will still operate when full, the key is to ensure there’s a balance of both solids and liquids within the septic tank. Septic tank pumping is needed when there are solids built up to a level where they risk entering the drain field, not simply due to the tank being full of liquid.
The Reality: Septic tank pumping is a routine maintenance task, not a repair. Regular septic tank pumping will help to prevent the need for repairs in the future through removing waste solids which could eventually lead to system failure.
The Reality: Many clogged septic systems can be repaired with professional septic tank cleaning methods such as jetting or chemical treatments, depending on the underlying nature of the clog.
The Reality: Introducing “starter” bacteria or yeasts to a new or recently pumped system is often unnecessary. Normal household and human waste will provide sufficient bacteria for septic systems to operate normally.
The Reality: You should only flush human waste and septic-safe toilet paper down your toilet. Everything else, including "flushable wipes”, should be avoided; as they can lead to clogs and system damage.
The Reality: When a structure is constructed over a septic tank, it can prevent septic professionals from having ready access to the septic tank itself. Additionally, there could be damage to the septic tank and its pipes if a structure is constructed above it. Always keep the area above and near your septic tank clear to prevent any of these issues
The Reality: Professional maintenance is very much necessary for diagnosing and addressing potential issues within your septic system which may be overlooked otherwise. Having a regular inspection done by a professional will help to ensure your system operates efficiently and it will likely extend the lifespan of your septic tank.
Septic-Safe Toilet Paper: Choose toilet paper which breaks down easily. Biodegradable, septic-safe toilet paper is the best choice for your septic tank system.
Natural Cleaning Products: Choose natural, non-toxic cleaning products which do not contain harmful, harsh chemicals. These products keep your home clean and safe without disrupting the bacterial balance within your septic tank.
Effluent Filters: Installing an effluent filter in your septic tank can help prevent debris from entering your drain field, likely extending its life and efficiency.
Tank Alarms: Consider installing a septic tank alarm system to monitor levels and detect overflows before they become a major problem, ensuring maintenance is always performed in a timely manner.
Now that you have a better understanding of the realities associated with septic system maintenance, you can save yourself from unnecessary expenses and better ensure your system remains efficient and effective over the long term. You should always stick to proven practices and septic supplies which will support the natural processes of your septic system. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions and we’ll be happy to help. Browse through our wide selection of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We look forward to working with you soon!
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