Septic System Maintenance Tips

Septic System Maintenance Tips

One of the most common sewage disposal systems is a septic system.

A typical septic system consists of a:

  1. septic tank - Generally, the septic tank is a two chamber concrete, 800 - 1,000 gallon airtight tank, constructed of concrete or fiberglass and equipped  with a riser. 
  2. drain/leaching field - Typically, the drain field is constructed of drain rock and  perforated pipe.

In septic tanks, waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action. Inside the septic tank, you will find three layers.

 

TOP LAYER:  The top layer is the "Scum” layer, where organic material floats to the surface. Bacteria in the septic tank biologically converts this material to a liquid.

MIDDLE LAYER:  The middle layer is the “Effluent” or "Wastewater layer where mostly clear water will be found. This clear water is the only layer that should enter your absorption area.

BOTTOM LAYER:  The bottom layer is the “Sludge” layer. This layer is where the inorganic or inert solid materials and the by-products of bacterial digestion accumulate.

In a properly functioning septic tank, household waste is broken down, liquefied, and deodorized through a natural (biological) process. Overuse of disinfectants, bleaches, detergents, and extreme hot or cold conditions can upset this process (reduce microbial populations) and cause the system to become inoperative.

Regular maintenance together with good water conservation and waste disposal habits can optimize system efficacy and extend the life span of most septic systems. 

SEPTIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE TIPS

  • Maintain good drainage around the drain field.
  • Keep ground water including, sump pump discharge, away from the drain field.
  • Maintain a grass cover over the drain field.
  • Keep chemicals, phosphates, non biodegradables, etc. out of the septic system.
  • Pump the septic tank at five year intervals or as required.
  • Monitor water usage to limit or prevent system overload.
  • Do not use a garbage disposal.
  • Keep fat, oil AND grease out of the system.  The bottom line:  "IF IT AIN'T SEWAGE IT SHOULD NOT GO DOWN THE DRAIN".

Check out our natural septic system products designed to control odour and stimulate the breakdown of matter to help reduce frequent septic tank pumping,  keep your septic system operating at optimum performance and save you money.

Holding Tank and Field Conditioner -  ESHT

BENEFITS OF ESHT:

  • Eliminates odour 
  • Liquefies sludge in septic tanks and pipes 
  • Unplugs soil pores in drainage fields 
  • Accelerates the digestion of solids 
  • Suppresses pathogenic bacteria 
  • Resolves drain line problems

Natural Septic Tank Additive - ESTT

BENEFITS OF ESTT:

  • Controls methane production 
  • Improves drain field percolation 
  • Prevents sewer line blockage 
  • Neutralizes detergent bleach 
  • Will not attack plastic or metal plumbing 
  • Safer to use than harsh chemicals 
  • Accelerates the degradation process 
  • Degrades paper, grease and vegetable waste

View our entire collection of septic products here.

Please contact us for more information via email at info@earth-smart-solutions.com or call us at 1-866-444-7174.


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