Septic Tank Maintenence

User: kimchi
Posts 50

Did you ever buy a used truck? Chances are, one of the first things you did was change the oil, even if the little sticker seemed to indicate that you didn't need to. Septic tanks are the same way ... a little maintenance now can save you a lot down the road.

User: peter
Posts 50

I'd say have it cleaned as soon as you move in -- even if the records indicate it doesn't need it. Lots of people cut corners when they are selling a property and this can end up costing you if someone fudged a little on the record keeping.

User: handyman
Posts 7

Septic system talk is all the rage here in the north country. The problem is that most of us get our water right out of the ground that's near our houses--the same ground we dispose our waste in. When there were fewer people, the outhouses and sesspools didn't cause any trouble but with more density in rural areas, septic systems are a point of anxiety for a lot of new homeowners. They are expensive to replace and that's what many municipalities require if there's a failure (ie. septage is found leaching out of the ground).

It's good practice to get the system pumped when you move in to a new place and then at least every two years after that. If the septic company in your area has been in business awhile they may even have records on your system from servicing it for the prior owners. If they're reputable, they're a good source of information on the health of your system. Ask your neighbors for a reputable septic company. Believe me, in this instance your neighbors are probably on your side.

A couple notes: (1) garbage disposals can be hard on a septic system, the oils from the meat and vegetable matter don't break down easily, (2) inorganic detergents and chemicals such as paints and thinners are a big no no for septic systems--save them and bring them to a hazardous waste disposal station.

User: SallyDP
Posts 100

Maybe not dispossing the toilet paper through the toilet will help? I don't know for sure since I have never been even near a septic tank. I live in New York City, and well, I don't think there are septic tanks around here! LOL!

User: Kat
Posts 50

You need bacteria in your system in order to break down the waste products. So, try to avoid introducing excessive quantities of detergents, laundry waste, bleach, household chemicals, and caustic drain openers into your system. All of this stuff can kill off the bacteria. Then your system will fill up much faster.

User: SaltyD
Posts 10

i'll give you some info so that you feel like you know what to ask when you call the septic guys. we have ours cleaned every two years. it all depends on usage. we're a family of four with three bathrooms. i use whatever toilet paper is on sale - if you look on the packages, you'll see that all the brands say septic system safe. i haven't given any thought to what cleaners i use and i'm assuming it doesn't matter, though if you find out otherwise let me know! as far as being able to tell if it's working ok, i think that's pretty low tech. the fields are supposed to smell horrible if there is any problem. i also ask the guys every time they come if everything looks fine. hope this helps.

User: truck
Posts 15

no, that's a good idea. i'll call them. though, i always worry that someone i'm paying is going to give me biased information and have me spending more that i should.

User: SaltyD
Posts 10

a septic tank shouldn't be too hard to maintain. did you talk to the company that tested the tank and field for you when you were buying the house? they could be a good source of information.

User: truck
Posts 15

help - i just moved from an apartment to a house and suddenly am the proud owner of a septic tank and field. we had the field and tank inspected during the home purchasing process and it's supposed to all be in good working order, but now what? how often am i supposed to get this thing emptied? do i need to do anything special - use different toilet paper, cleaners, etc? how would i know if something were to go wrong with it? should i have moved to a town with sewers?! thanks for your advice. as i new homeowner, i think i'll have lots of questions to post on this site.