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Use your automatic dishwasher and automatic washing machine only for full loads, never for just a few items.
Reduce the use of the garbage disposal, which requires a great deal of water for operation. Dispose of food scraps and peelings in the trash container or use food
waste in a garden compost pile.
Wet weather, and winter, reduces the capacity of septic systems. Try to avoid
large water usages during heavy rains or in winter months as much as possible.
Divert surface water such as house gutters or terraces away from the septic system area to prevent excess infiltration.
Excessive use of spa, hot tub, or pool back wash also adversely affect the system.
Underground sprinkler systems should not be placed in lateral line fields as this will flood the system.
Remember, reduction in water usage not only aids in the proper function of the septic system, but also saves energy used to pump and heat water.
SEPTIC TANK CARE:
There is no set period of time to clean out a septic tank, but it should be checked every two years to determine if cleaning is necessary. To determine when the septic tank needs to be cleaned, remove the cover or inspection port and obtain a piece of lumber 1” x 2" x 8' and wrap and nail some clean white cloth toweling to the bottom three feet of the lumber. Lower the toweled end into the tank slowly until the bottom of the tank is reached. Hold in this position several minutes then remove the measuring device from the tank as gently as possible. The dark colored sludge will discolor the bottom portion of the toweling, denoting the total depth of sludge accumulation. When depth of the sludge exceeds 40% of total tank liquid depth the septic tank should be cleaned by a licensed septic tank cleaner. A properly cleaned septic tank is one that has all the liquid, scum, sludge and solids removed.
The addition of additives to the tanks such as yeast, enzymes or bacteria is not necessary for digestion within the tank. In fact, some additives, such as those using petroleum solvents such as trichlorethane or others, actually harm the system by killing off the beneficial bacteria. The normal use of bleaches, detergents, soaps, and drain cleaners does not harm or interfere with the normal operation of the system. Normal backwash operation of a water softener does not affect digestion in the septic tank. Increased water usage from backwash cycles can produce a significant hydraulic load on system.
Finally, avoid driving cars or heavy equipment over the system as this can crush the tank or lines.
With proper care, most septic systems can be expected to perform for 30 or more years. However, with even the most carefully used system, problems can develop. If this happens, please call the Water Quality Division at 425-4331 and an inspector will be glad to arrange to help evaluate possible solutions.
Common Septic Tank Problems
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