Septic System Basics

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

If you're unsure where your septic system's inspection or clean-out hatch is located, go into your basement and find your wastewater line—it's usually the largest-diameter pipe, made of plastic or cast iron—and follow its general direction outside. Probe the soil as far out as 15 feet. Look for raised or sunken spots in your yard, or areas where plants are growing particularly well. Once you find it, make a map.

"Some people will tell you that they've never pumped out their systems," Joe says. "In warmer climates and back when we didn't use so much water, toxics and nonbiodegradable products, this might have worked. But these days, going long periods without pump-outs is asking for trouble."

After a new home is built, have the system pumped within the next six to 12 months, especially if toxic chemical finishing agents were rinsed into it. Most states offer convenient folders and charts on which you can calculate pumping frequency and keep accurate maintenance records.

A septic system must be pumped out periodically to remove both floating scum and the sludge on the bottom. Failure to do this can result in an expensive repair or even replacement of the entire system. Experts recommend pumping your septic tank every two to three years, unless you use grease traps and particle filters.

SEPTIC CARE

A properly designed and well-sited system that's also maintained well can be effective and environmentally responsible, says Joe. "We live in different times, and we can't take wastewater management for granted. It's important that we respect our septic systems as the living machinery that they are. It's not hard, but like any living thing, it needs daily awareness and effort." Paying attention to these simple septic tips can significantly extend the life of your system.

Keep It Clean. Take a load off your septic system whenever you can by composting kitchen scraps and using biodegradable and nontoxic cleaning products. Many toilet bowl cleaners, antibacterial agents and drain cleaners can kill beneficial bacteria in your system. Dispose of all solvents, paints, antifreeze and other chemicals through local recycling and hazardous waste centers. Never let wash water from latex paint on brushes or rollers go down the drain and into the septic system. Use phosphate-free liquid detergents instead of powders, which can clog your leach field, or switch to Liquid soap instead. Although small amounts of chlorine appear to have little effect on septic systems, use hydrogen peroxide-based bleaches to keep this potential carcinogen out of the watershed.

Filter Out Fibers. Keep fibers and particles out of the septic system. Many of today's fabrics are made of recycled plastic soda bottles and other nondegradable fibers that can clog your leach field. The Septic Protector ($150) attaches to your washing machine drain to remove these fibers. Septic tank filters also can be added to the outlet of your septic tank to keep fibers and particles out of the leach field. (See "Septic System Sources," at left.)

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print