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| Ten Most Asked Questions About Septic Systems Q: Do I need to add anything to my septic system to keep it working properly? A: While many products on the market claim to help septic systems work better, the truth is there is no magic potion to cure an ailing system. In fact, most engineers and health professionals believe that commercial septic system additives are, at best, useless, and at worst, potentially harmful to the system. There are two types of septic system additives: biological ( like
bacteria, enzymes, and yeast) and chemical. Most biological additives
are harmless, but some chemical additives can potentially harm the
soil in the drain field and contaminate the ground water. The general
consensus amount septic system experts is that septic system additives
are unnecessary. Q: What type of toilet paper is best for septic tanks? A: Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to sacrifice personal comfort to protect your septic tank. There are many types of toilet paper on the market that are perfectly safe for septic systems. According to the National Sanitation Foundation ( NSF ), a nonprofit organization that test products relating to health and the environment, the thickness and the color of toilet tissue does not necessarily affect its biodegradability. NSF subjects the toilet papers it certifies to rigorous testing, and the brands that pass carry the NSF mark stating that they are safe for use with septic systems. However, there probably are many brands without the NSF mark that are also safe. Q: Does the use of household cleaners harm my septic system? A: Household cleaners, such as bleach, disinfectants, and drain and toilet bowl cleaners should be used in moderation and only in accordance with product labels. Overuse of these products can harm your system. It makes sense to try to keep all toxic and hazardous chemicals out of your septic tank system when possible. ( Caring for your septic system - Do's & Don'ts | Septic Tank Additives Danger in Disguise | Alternate Household Cleaning Solutions |Sewage Protection Program ) Q: How often should I have my septic tank pumped? A: Pumping your septic tank is probably the single most important
thing you can do to protect your system. If the buildup of solids
in the tank becomes too high and solids move to the drain field,
this could clog and strain the system to the point where repairs
or possible replacement of the system could become necessary. How
often your tank needs to be pumped depends on the tank size, the
number of people living in your home, how often you entertain guest
or have large parties, or if a garbage disposal is utilized. It
is a good idea to be present when your tank is being pumped. Make
sure that you hire a licensed pumping contractor who uses the manhole
to access the tank and not the inspection port. Pumping through
the inspection ports can cause damage to the tank baffles or sanitary
tees. In addition make sure that all material in the tank is removed.
Pumping the tank is to remove the solids that have built up over
time. It is not necessary to leave anything in the tank to “restart”
the biological process, but it is also not necessary to scrub or
disinfect the tank.
Frequencies are listed in years. These
figures do not include the use of a garbage disposal unit. Q: I would like to landscape the area where my septic system is installed, what can I do? A: Grass or wildflowers are the most appropriate cover for the
drainfield/ lateral field area. Systems such as Wetland or Mound
systems can be landscaped with grasses and flowering materials.
However, no matter the system, never plant anything with deep roots
such as shrubs and trees. Deep rooted plants can damage the system,
resulting in possible costly repairs. Q: I would like to utilize the open space over the lateral field area. Can I place a gazebo, above ground pool, or a holding/training area for my livestock or other large animals over it? A: Never build or place any structure of any kind over the lateral
field area. Never allow anyone to drive or operate heavy equipment
or motor vehicles nor build corrals or other type pens over the
lateral field. All of these and many other similar types of activities
will cause compaction to the soil and damage the function of the
lateral field. Compaction of the field area will ultimately result
in costly repairs or possible replacement of the existing system.
Q: I understand that the septic tank should be inspected regularly. I really can’t see well into it. Should I get down inside the tank to insure that all the components, such as baffles and tees are in place? A: Be sure to exercise appropriate caution when inspecting a septic
tank. Never allow any untrained persons to inspect a septic tank
alone or go down into a septic tank. Toxic gases are produced by
the natural treatment processes in the tank and can kill in minutes.
Even just looking in the tank can be dangerous. If it is necessary
for someone to enter the tank for repairs or alterations professional
septic technicians should be employed. The technicians should utilize
special safety equipment while performing the required work. Q: How can I keep excessive water from my lateral field or other portions of my septic system? A: Surface water and ground water can over tax the lateral field
area. Inspect roof drains, house footing drains, and sump pumps
to insure that they are diverted away from the lateral field area.
Should surface water or ground water be present and flowing from
outside sources, installing a curtain drain around the perimeter
of the lateral field can provide some assistance.
If the gray water, washer water only in Kentucky, is currently
connected to the septic system, installing a washer line will be
of great benefit to the overall system. Ultimately, practicing water
conservation by reducing the length of showers, installing low-flow
toilets or adjusting existing toilets to reduce water utilized,
insuring that all faucets and fixtures are void of any leaks and
running full loads in the dishwasher will make a difference.
Q: The water in my area is hard. Would a water softener be harmful to my septic system? A: No matter what type of system you have installed, a water softener
should not be utilized. The excessive amount of salt that is disbursed
into the system, due to the softening agent, will harm the necessary
bacteria in the septic tank. Therefore, the required breakdown of
solids does not take place as it should. In Aeration Treatment Units
utilized for Spray or Direct Discharge, softeners can also kill
the bacteria causing the unit to disburse improperly treated effluent
on the property where children and pets may come into contact with
it. If a water softer is essential, a separate lateral bed or distribution
location should be developed for the softer. Keep any disbursement
from the softener entering the septic system. Q: I have never been responsible for a sewage system before. What or how is the best way to insure proper care and long term usage of my system. A: There are many types of systems and combinations utilized today.
It would be difficult to give specific information on each. However,
general maintenance of the tanks with proper pumpings is a must.
Should the homeowner not be completely knowledgeable of their particular
system, they should contact the local health department for printed
materials or a seminar or class given in the community that may
explain to them further the general workings of their sewage system.
Even with all of this, important problem signs can be missed by
an unlicensed and untrained individual. Given this fact, homeowner
my elect to employee a septic system company to be fully responsible
for their system. With a train technician performing all required
operation and maintenance, the system will continue to function
as designed.
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2221 North Highway 53 