A healthy flow of water through the septic system is critical to good performance. However, without proper preventative maintenance, solids can build up in the bottom of the septic tank, become sludge and clog the septic tank. Here are some tips on how to keep your septic system flow working.
A main source of solids is the food that gets put into in-sink garbage disposals. As the volume of sludge grows, the space available for water decreases, which means that water will spend less time in the septic system. If the time in the system becomes too short, good bacteria will not have time to degrade the waste and kill pathogenic bacteria. The sludge level should be kept relatively low, which can mean frequent pumping if the system cannot control it.
People produce and use oil and grease in many daily activities. Everything from food preparation and food waste to laundry and bath water sends bits of sticky goo into the system. It clings to the inner lining of pipes and can build up over time until it restricts water flow and chokes the system. This is one reason why household equipment like washing machines, dish washers, bathtubs and toilets begin to drain so slowly and even back up over time.
If too much oil and grease build up in the septic tank, these “sticky” substances can begin to flow into the leach field where it clings to the soil and accumulates just the way it does in the pipes. Eventually, the field will become so clogged that water cannot leave the system as quickly as it enters. At that point, water will either back up into the house or be forced to the surface, resulting in spots or puddles in the yard.
Leach fields can be somewhat delicate. Proper water flow through the field needs to be maintained to keep the system from backing up. Avoid moving heavy equipment over the field to prevent crushing the lines. Also, don't plant trees too near the field because roots can clog or break the lines.
The type of soil in the leach field also affects the efficiency of the septic system. The potential for dense soils like clay to produce wet spots or puddles is much greater than for loose soils like sand because they cannot hold as much water and they can become clogged much more quickly.
Best tip of all for good septic flow is a regular maintenance program using Septikos® for Septic Tank Treatment and Maintenance to eliminate septic system and tank problems such as septic system backup and septic tank drain field & leach field wet spots.
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Ordering Information
3 lb bag of Septikos $62.75/bag
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