5 Common Myths About Septic System Tanks

If you own a septic system at your home, you’ve probably heard a few stories about managing your system that aren’t true. You may also come across such misconceptions on the internet. If you’re not well-informed, you may make serious mistakes when maintaining your system that could lead to serious issues in the future. In today’s post, we debunk five of the most common misconceptions about septic tanks.

1. Pumping is not necessary

Like any other system in the house, your septic system requires maintenance to run smoothly throughout the years. One economical way of keeping the septic in good working condition is pumping it. This myth mostly comes from companies selling septic additives. They claim additives can foster complete sewage digestion, eliminating the tank’s need to pump. 

There’s no way of telling that an additive can cause complete digestion of hair, lint fat, and fingernail clippings that build up on the floor of the septic tank. Pumping is the only sure way to ensure that damaging levels of indigestible solids are not rising to dangerous levels.

2. Flushing a dead mouse helps clean the septic system

Some people believe that flushing a dead mouse introduces microbes that improve septic performance. However, this isn’t true because every time you flush the toilet for the usual reason, you’re introducing fresh microbes into the system. Flushing a dead mouse just adds to the number of microbes introduced in the septic and may not add any value that’s not already coming from other sources.

3. You must replace your septic system after 20 years

Your septic system can run as long as you want it to, as long as it is well-maintained. That means you’ve taken the initiative to eliminate or minimize waste that cannot be processed. If a septic system fails, it’s usually due to poor maintenance. 

It’s up to you to get a professional to check it once every year and schedule for pump outs every two or three years, depending on the size of your home and the number of people living with you. The surest way of keeping your septic system running for the longest time is not putting chemicals such as drain cleaners and disinfectants that can eliminate the microbes that digest sewage.

4. Clogged systems cannot be repaired

As we already mentioned, septic systems can last as long as you want, depending on how you service them. So, a replacement is not always necessary. You can restore most clogged septic systems with maintenance. Your system can get clogged by:

• Tree roots that clog the leaching pipes
• Slimy biomaterial growths blocking the holes in perforated leaching pipes
• Indigestible sewage solids entering the leaching bed

If your septic gets clogged, you first need to call a plumber to assess the situation and provide options to solve the issue, such as jetting the leaching pipes.

5. It doesn’t matter what you put down the drain

One of the most common myths about septic tanks is that you can put anything down the drain. This is not true because a septic tank depends on a balance of biological microbes and enzymes to break down waste. Some disinfectants and other chemicals can reduce the number of microbes that digest sewage, increasing the risk of system failure.

For all your septic tank maintenance services in Farmington, NH, contact B.H. Cameron Septic Services LLC today!

Categorised in: Septic Tank

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