Maintenance Task:  Pump out septic tank and inspect

A specially-equipped, licensed and bonded, septic tank service company should be hired to test the tank level, and as necessary, pump out and dispose of the sludge from the bottom of the septic tank.  In addition, the septic tank company should check the alarm, baffles, compressor, motor, timer, and pump, as applicable to your system.  

NOTE: 

• Since grease tends to clog septic tanks and slows down bacterial action, you should avoid pouring fats or oils down the drain.

• Also do not put chemicals such as paint thinners, insecticides, or gasoline down the drains, as these will kill the important bacteria that break down waste products in the tank.

• Further, to help extend the useful life of the septic system, insoluble solid material, such as plastic, rubber, rags, coffee grounds, and other foreign matter should never be flushed down the drain.

Since a septic tank is designed to collect a layer of sludge at the bottom, it must be pumped out periodically to prevent this solid layer from building up to the point where the sludge can spill over into the drainage field lines, which can cause major problems by plugging up these pipes.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS from "Ask-a-Wizard":

QUESTION from "Art from PGH": 

We're moving to a house that has a septic system and heard that it is not good to use a garbage disposal since the septic is not designed to take the volume of waste.

1) Is this true (there are only two of us)?

2) Is a trash compactor a viable alternative (i.e. for all the food waste that would normally go into the garbage disposal)?

ANSWER:

Art from PGH:

Regarding your first question, yes, you can use a garbage disposal when you have a septic system, HOWEVER, since you will be adding more solid waste to your septic system, you need to be VERY CAREFUL to check your septic tank level more often. As you probably know, if your septic tank fills up with solids, these solids can over-flow and go into your leeching pipes which will be very expensive to remedy if they become plugged. And since you are new to the house, you will not have history on how often you should have your septic tank pumped.

The other point about your garbage disposal, is that some towns and cities do not allow garbage disposals to be installed where there are septic systems. And since you are new to this house, if you want to be in compliance, this is something you may want to check.

Regarding your second question, yes, a trash compactor is a viable option. In general, trash compactors are considered good for the environment because they reduce the trash's volume by about 80%, so it takes up a lot less room in a landfill. However, a couple of thoughts about using a trash compactor for food waste. First, food waste will not compact down as much as other household garbage; and secondly, depending on how "green" you want to be, an alternative to a garbage disposal is to set up a compost system in your yard, which will naturally bio-degrate your food waste. If you are interested, here is a link to some instructions on how to set up a home compost pile: http://www.ehow.com/how_137794_set-compost-system.html

Regards,
Home-Wizard.com
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