Septic tanks should be pumped out every three to five years (depending on several factors) to remove the build-up of sludge and to prevent solids from clogging and/or overflowing into the septic field.
Homeowners may become concerned with their onsite sewage treatment system due to the cold weather and lack of snow cover. For the thousands of systems that we have in the district, the number that actually freezes is minimal. Solid toilet waste, classified as “black water”, contains the primary source of bacteria that provides for decomposition of organic waste. This process normally generates sufficient heat to prevent the septic field from freezing in the winter.
However, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Minimizing your “grey water” output can help.
Here are some tips that will minimize grey water:
- Flush toilets with solid waste only. "If it's yellow let it mellow. If it's brown flush it down."
- Adjust the water level for laundry loads appropriate to the amount of clothes in the load.
- Spread out laundry loads as much as possible – instead of a laundry day, do a (full) load once every few days.
- A five-minute shower will use less water than a bath. However, a half-hour shower will not save you any grey water output.
- If you use a dishwasher, ensure that you are running full loads.
The tank should be pumped out every 3-5 years OR when the sludge in the tank is approaching the 1/3 full mark. If more than this amount of sludge builds up, there is a chance that particles can get into the dispersal field and clog the system. To ensure regular service, keep a maintenance record of your system.
Conserve water. The more water that is used, the more that must be dispersed by the sewage treatment system.
Some general tips include:
- Consider buying appliances with water conserving features.
- Install water conserving showerheads and faucets.
- Wash only full loads of clothes and full loads in the dishwasher.
- Fix leaky faucets.
Problems can occur when homeowners use their septic tank as a garbage can.
Avoid any of the following entering the septic tank:
- grease
- coffee grounds
- bones
- cooking fats
- filter cigarette butts
- disposable diapers
- paper toweling
- tissues
Garbage disposals are not recommended because the food particles fill up the septic tank faster and tend to clog the system. If a garbage disposal is used, plan to pump the septic system twice as often or increase the tank size by 1/3.
It will have the potential to saturate the leaching bed. Do not direct any storm water, sump water and/or eaves water into or toward the sewage treatment system.
Moderate use of bleaches, cleansers and other household products will not harm your septic tank.
White toilet paper designed for septic tank use is best, because there are no dyes that need to be broken down in white paper.
A properly designed, installed and maintained system will give you years of trouble-free service. Protect the system with good daily habits and pump the septic tank as often as is required.
- NEVER go inside a septic tank. Lethal gases build up in the tank that are overpowering and deadly. Call professionals if you have a problem with your system.
- Know where the manhole cover to the septic tank is located. It must be secure at all times.
- Septic tanks that are no longer being used must be either removed OR crushed and filled with earth.