Septic systems are a very common form of waste disposal for many homes around the country. They are so popular that many pieces of septic system advice floating around amongst homeowners. However, unfortunately most septic system advice is bad advice. In this article, we will discuss the most common bad advice given concerning septic systems.
You Never Need To Empty The Septic System
Some homeowners perpetuate the myth that a septic system owner never needs to empty the system due to septic additives. Experts call the process of emptying the septic system a pump-out. On average, homeowners should pump out a septic system every two to three years.
It is true that septic additives of microbes and enzymes can be introduced into the septic system to help dissolve sewage. However, those additives cannot digest everything in the system. Furthermore, the by-product of these additives is septic sludge which collects in the system and will eventually need to be pump-out anyways. The benefit of the septic additives is they may reduce the frequency in which a pump-out may need to occur.
You Can Drain Anything Into The Septic System
Although septic systems are great at handling almost anything you can send its way, it is not infallible. A good rule of thumb is if you would not send it down the drain to a sewage system, then do not send it down the drain to a septic system.
Even things that might be okay to send down a drain connected to a sewage system might not be good to send down a drain for a septic system. For example, some common household chemicals, such as bleach, can destroy the septic additives in the system and cause more problems.
Flushing Dead Animal Adds Natural Microbes Into The Septic System
Common sense would dictate that a person should not be flushing any small animals into a septic system. Unfortunately, there is a rumor that by flushing a small animal such as a dead mouse or dead hamster into a septic system, as it decomposes, it will create natural microbes that will help digest the sewage. Despite there being no evidence showing that this is helpful, every time a person flushes natural human waste into a septic system, a new set of microbes are introduced as well. It is better to stick with septic additives if you are concerned about not having enough microbes in your septic system.
Septic Systems Have A Lifespan Of 20 Years
There is some truth to the fact that the average useful age of a septic system is around 20 years. However, this is not a definitive number. The usefulness of a septic system relies more on proper maintenance and care than anything else. For example, suppose a septic owner is doing regular pump-outs every two to three years and is very careful as to what is flushed down into the septic system. In that case, the septic system can last well over 20 years of age.
Homeowners Must Replace a Clogged Septic System
Although a clogged septic system can cause problems, it does not necessarily mean that you need to replace the system. There can be many reasons for the clog. Depending on the cause, experts might be able to remove the clog and repair the system. It is best to contact a professional, such as Conyers Plumbing, in cases of clogged septic systems.
Contact Conyers Plumbing
Whether you mistakenly followed bad advice concerning your septic system or you are experiencing some issue with your septic system, contact the professionals at Conyers Plumbing to access the problem and offer solutions to resolve them.
