[an error occurred while processing this directive] Maintain your septic tank system |
| Dear Ms. Builder: We do not have public sewers on our street, so we have a septic tank. I would like to install a garbage disposer in the kitchen, but I have heard that they are bad for septic systems. Is this true? - Paula H. Dear Paula: This is not true and many homes with septic systems use garbage disposers everyday. Septic systems are not only used in rural areas. Many suburban streets in major cities have never had sewers installed. More than 25 million houses in the United States have septic tank systems. Other than food waste with very high grease or fat content, using your garbage disposer should not cause problems. In fact, it may help the "good" bacteria base thrive in the septic tank to break down human wastes and other particles. The worst problems are caused by household cleaners, anti-bacterial soaps, solvents, etc. that kill some of the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. Without enough good bacteria, the entire septic system can become ineffective. It helps to understand how a typical septic system works. There are two basic components - the tank and the drainfield. The tank, usually in the 750 to 1,500 gallon range (larger families require larger tanks), holds the waste. In the tank, the bacteria begins the process of breaking down the liquid wastes and the tiny particles. The various components of the waste naturally separate in the septic tank. A small amount will sink to the bottom and this must be cleaned out on a regular basis. If your septic tank is not operating properly, because of a poor bacteria base, a lot of waste particles begin to settle to the bottom and become sludge. As it fills with sludge, there is less room for liquids, so the problem rapidly worsens. A professional cleaning will be required. The tank is connected to the drainfield with perforated pipe. These pipes are surrounded by gravel and soil. As the liquids leave the tank, they flow through the pipes and out into the gravel area. Here, more natural bacteria have time to slowly breakdown the rest of the wastes into harmless liquids. If you are really a heavy garbage disposal user when you cook and you are concerned, In-Sink-Erator makes a special garbage disposer for septic systems. It has a snap-on Bio-Charge cartridge that automatically dispenses enzymes that are beneficial to the good bacteria. There are many septic tank additives advertised to help make your septic system function better. Some help and others may hurt the bacteria. Several that the State of Washington tested and found safe are - Microbe Lift (800-645-2976), Rid-X (201-573-5673) and Super Pack Bacteria (503-774-9559). Here are some basic tips to keep your septic system functioning properly. Don't flush solid items that take up space in the septic tank and reduce the water volume. These items include sanitary napkins, sand, cat litter, cigarette butts, etc. Space out your water usage throughout the day. This reduces large flows of waste water into the tank that may force partially broken down wastes out into the drainfield pipes. A heavy load of particles can ruin your drainfield over time. Minimize the amount of cooking grease that goes down the drain. Catch excessive fats and grease in jars and put it out in the trash. If you have wildlife in your area, put it outside and the animals will come to eat it. It is important to have grass or some type of vegetation growing over the drainfield area. The bacteria near plant roots plus the soil aeration from the roots helps to thoroughly break down the wastes. Make sure the drain pipe from your gutters does not terminate in the drainfield area. Send your questions to Ms. Builder, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com/msbuilder. |