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Disaffected

(6,108 posts)
8. If you need something like that
Sat Nov 27, 2021, 09:32 PM
Nov 2021

you are doing something wrong to begin with - a properly treated septic tank & field should not require any artificial stuff to function properly.

Rules are:

Don't flush anything other than the necessities (no garburators, no paper products other than toilet paper, no chemical drain cleaners or other cleaning products).

Pump & clean the tank periodically, depending primarily on the size of the tank and the number of folks in the house. Usually once/year but a septic tank pumping service can advise. If left too long, sludge will build up, preventing proper operation of the tank.

Don't mess with the ground above the septic field - it should have only grass growing on it as trees and bushes can clog it with their roots. Keep heavy traffic off it to prevent ground compaction. Try to minimize water runoff on it unless living in a dry climate.

The most important thing is to prevent solids from being evacuated from the tank and into the field as that will clog/flood the field and prevent the tank form draining. Treating the system properly will prevent that.

Oh, and get the tank inspected every few years (the pump service guy should do that anyhow). There is a partition in the tank that can become corroded and a syphon pipe that can become dislodged. If either of those happen , solids will be carried over to the field or the tank will not drain properly.

A properly maintained & used septic system should operate trouble free for decades...

Edit to add: If your tank is not gravity drainage i.e. has an electric pump, routine inspection is even more necessary.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Totally sympathize. I hope the problems work out OK for you Walleye Nov 2021 #1
Thank you! femmocrat Nov 2021 #11
They make this stuff that is supposed to eat up Haggard Celine Nov 2021 #2
If you need something like that Disaffected Nov 2021 #8
Excellent advice! Thanks for taking the time. Haggard Celine Nov 2021 #9
Yer most welcome! Disaffected Nov 2021 #16
Thank your for replying. femmocrat Nov 2021 #13
OK and good luck! Disaffected Nov 2021 #15
Thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out. nt femmocrat Nov 2021 #12
Not surprising, especially in the south... Wounded Bear Nov 2021 #3
First rule of being a plumber. Hotler Nov 2021 #4
Eww! Eyeball_Kid Nov 2021 #5
Appropriately named by personal experience. Backseat Driver Nov 2021 #6
Thanks. femmocrat Nov 2021 #14
Next time Disaffected Nov 2021 #7
Thank you all for your sage advice! femmocrat Nov 2021 #10
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