We are moving into an older home (built 1979) that has a septic tank. We are a family of 3 adults, 1 child, and frequent guests. We have 3 bathrooms, a garbage disposal, and a swimming pool. What are your suggestions for taking care of the septic tank to keep it in proper working order?
By Jamie
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Go to google.com and type in caring for a septic system. Many sites will come up to explain how to maintain your system, do's and dont's and how to tell if the system is failing. The important thing is to follow the rules on what does and dose'nt go into the system and have the tank pumped periodically. You don't need any of those additives one sees advertised on TV. They just make money for someone. My system is 27 years old and works just fine with out any additives.
The very first thing I would do is to find out when was the last time the septic tank was pumped. You did not say if you were renting or buying but if it's the latter you may want to include a pump-out as part of your closing and have the seller pay for it. We have been on septic in two different homes here in Florida and in both we've added yeast periodically. Yes the kind that you use to make bread.
I have a recipe from the book "Where's Mom now that I need her?" for "Septic Tank Recharger". Here goes: 2 cups packed brown sugar, 1 pkg. dry yeast, and 1 quart of water. Mix thoroughly, pour into the toilet boil, and flush. This is a lot cheaper than Rid-X or other store bought solutions.
Use toilet paper that states "safe for septic tanks" for starters. Don't put bleach or harsh chemicals in the system as it will kill the bacteria that grows and "digests" the waste.
Usually a garbage disposal is a no-no with a septic tank. Maybe if yours is large enough and to you treat it well, it can handle it.
The brown sugar yeast concoction already mentioned is great. I just mix it up right in the kitchen sink and when its all foamy I wash it down the drain.
I forgot to mention to limit your use of anti-bacterial soaps as they will kill the good bacteria in the tank too. Also liquid soaps are better than bar soaps when it comes to the leech field.
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