6 Things We Bet You Never Knew About Your Septic System
You can do a better job maintaining your septic system if you know more about it. It can be quite disgusting but it does an important job. Your home’s most costly utility, your septic system works around the clock to safely filter out waste and return water to the ground. We’re going to share some information about your septic tank, including the inside workings. Continue reading for more information or to request a quote on your next septic service, contact us today.
- Your Septic System Is Like A Really Gross Layer Cake There are three layers to your septic tank. The “effluent” is the liquid that remains in the middle. Lighter wastes like hair and grease are known as “scum.” After a few days in a tank, this middle layer is removed by the naturally occurring bacteria in our waste. The liquid left in the middle is known as “effluent” and eventually the waste is absorbed into your soil.
If your tank is not maintained regularly, sludge can build up and cause serious problems. Sludge can be made worse by grease if you cook a lot. We recommend that your tank be pumped every 2 years.
- What your toilet paper says about you Will notice a breakdown if you’re using Scott or another thin, septic-safe brand. We’ll notice thick fluffy stuff almost looking like cotton on top if you’re part of the Charmin or Quilted Northern families.
- Septic Tank Gases can Kill You – It’s not a joke These gasses can cause death. OSHA defines a septic tank as a “immediately hazardous” space. Modern tanks have riser–lids that are located at ground level, so it is easier to inspect and pump out the tank. Clients who need to have easier access or save time digging out the manhole cover prior to each service will receive risers.
Hydrogen sulfide can cause rotten egg smell around drain fields in small quantities. Contact us if you notice the rotten egg odor frequently. However, if it is in large quantities, it can lead to paralysis and collapse within five minutes or almost instant death. Your waste can cause death.
- There are “Good” bacteria in your septic system. While the naturally occurring bacteria in wastewater helps to break down solids and “sludge”, a typical tank may contain over 100 chemical pollutants that pose a threat to that bacteria. You can still clean your toilets and wash your sink, but we recommend that you use septic-safe cleaning products to keep your tank from becoming depleted of natural bacteria. We recommend Thieves Household Cleaner and Mrs. Meyers as well as Norwex and Seventh Generation.
Fact: It takes just 2 gallons to kill all bacteria in a 1,000-gallon tank. And it can take up to 60 hours to get it back to normal. Drain cleaners such as Liquid Plumber, Drano and Liquid Plumber are also a no-no. The only thing that will kill a septic tank’s entire microbe population is 1.3 ounces of the stuff. It won’t return for at least two more days. For more information about bacteria and septic systems, please visit our previous post or Contact us today for our septic system additive.
- Septic System Additives can help keep things flowing smoothly
A septic system additive is an important part of smart routine maintenance plans. It can also save you money over the long-term. A septic additive can be added to your system once per month to restore the good work bacteria and enzymes that counteract the harmful effects of household disinfectants. The additive helps maintain a clean, sanitary home and healthy bacteria in your septic tank. If your system is functioning as it should, a backup will not be necessary. You won’t have to pay extra for heavy solids removal during regular pumping.
- It’s amazing to see what people put down their drains. We’ve seen it all! What is the best thing to do for your septic tank? You shouldn’t dump things in your septic system that aren’t necessary. It should be serviced on a regular basis. We recommend that it be serviced every 2 to 4 years.
Are you unsure when your tank was last pumped? Request a site visit to have your system evaluated and offered professional recommendations. Since over a decade, we have been providing professional septic services in Central Oregon.
This post was written by Tanner Brown. Tanner is the Owner and operator of Greenbar Excavation. Greenbar Excavation is a fully licensed, insured, and accredited Excavation company based in Prineville, Oregon. Greenbar Excavation is one of the top companies for Septic pumping in Prineville Oregon. Don’t look further, go with the company with your best interest in mind!
