Septic Systems and how to Protect and Maintain them

Items to Avoid in Onsite Treatment Systems

Continued growth in rural living leaves many questions regarding proper use and care of onsite wastewater systems/septic systems. Individuals moving from metropolitan locations often have never used septic systems as a means of treating residential waste water.  Maintenance information about septic systems conveyed via advertising or word of mouth often are conflicting information about proper care.

Treatment of onsite waste relies on microbial action in the system. Some household products and practices can disrupt the microbial action causing waste systems to malfunction.

The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) has pooled information contained in university studies and information offered by industry experts into helpful guidance regarding your onsite waste treatment system.  Below is a list of items to avoid in onsite waste treatment systems:

Inert Materials
Plastic, rubber, scouring pads, dental floss, condoms, kitty letter, cigarette filters, bandages, hair, mop strings, ling rags, cloth and towels do note decompose in an onsite treatment system, Inert materials build up solids and lead to system malfunctions, clogging, or increased pump-out frequency.

Paper Products
Disposable diapers, tampons, sanitary napkins, cotton swabs, paper towels, facial tissues, baby wipes, lotioned, scented or quilted toilet tissue and moist toilet paper do not dissolve readily in an onsite treatment system, Also, excessive amounts of toilet tissue at one time can lead to system malfunctions, clogs, or increased pump-out frequency.

Food Wastes
Do not put animal fats and bones, grease, coffee grounds, citrus and melon rinds, corn cobs, or eggshells down the sink.  Garbage disposal use should be limited to waste that cannot be scooped out and thrown in the trash. Spoiled dairy products and yeast from home brewing or baking may interfere with microbial processes in your system.

Cleaning Products
Antimicrobial soaps and automatic toilet disinfection tablets may kill the organisms needed to consume waste.  Do not empty mop buckets containing bleach down the sink.

Medications/Ailments
Do not flush expired medicines, as some will disrupt your treatment system and many can eventually find their way into the groundwater.  If household members undergo oral or intravenous chemotherapy, the treatment system may require more frequent pump-out intervals or the use of biological additives.  Contact an onsite treatment system service provider to find out if such service is needed.

Commercial Additives
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other authorities report that there is no evidence to support the use of additives with normally functioning onsite treatment systems.  Some septic tank additives can harm the system.  A normally functioning system does not require additives.

Chemicals and Toxins
The following materials will kill the microbes necessary for the biological treatment to occur: paint, paint thinner, solvents, volatile substances, drain cleaners, automotive fluids, fuels, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, metals, disinfectants, sanitizers, bleach, floor stripping wastes, excessive use of household chemicals, and backwash from water softener regeneration.

Laundry Practices
To avoid overloading some systems, spread out laundry over the week instead of doing it all in one day. Excessive use of detergents, especially those containing bleach, can affect system performance.  Liquid detergents are recommended over powders.  Fabric softener sheets are recommended over liquid softeners.  Use bleach sparingly and at half the rate indicated on the container.

Clear Water Waste
Don not plumb air conditioner discharge lines, floor drains, gutters, whole house water treatment systems, and sump pumps to your treatment system.  This water does not require treatment and will overload your system.  Discharge this water to a French drain or dry well in accordance with local regulations.

More questions? Visit www.septiclocator.com and find a service provider in your area.

Article provided by:
Water Works Plus, LLC
719-859-1148
waterworksplus@starband.net