Just a reminder for those with septic systems

[hslogger]

It's a grand out here, where I live. Yes, $1000. We've pumped our 3 times in 29 yrs. Last time was 2 yrs ago just before the rise in cost. Went from $400 to $1000.

"HORSEHOCKEY!" said Sherman Potter.....;-)

 

[dmccarty]

So related question. We had to have some excavation done. One excavator who came to look at the project installed the septic at our house (before we bought) he recommends flushing bread yeast once a month to keep the system working properly. Anyone else hear of this?

I have heard this but as a famous Colonel once said, "Horse hockey!" :laughing::laughing::laughing:

I would be surprised if bread yeast could live very long in a septic tank much less actually eat sewage.

They key to a long lived septic field is to not flush lots of chemicals, don't use a garbage disposal, and pump the tank regularly.

Later,
Dan

 

[CountryB]

Do they still make colored TP?

Maybe it's got something to do with diversity.

HA ha ha ha! I think I just crapped myself.

 

[teejk]

I try to pump our septic tank every presidential election.

Well, it is almost May and we still need to pump but that is usually what happens. :confused3::laughing::laughing::laughing:

Our system is designed for eight people but only four people are in the house. Every time we have pumped, we have been told the tank did not need to be pumped. :thumbsup: I forget the exact cost, but it is around $200 which is pretty danged cheap to keep the field working. When we lived in the city, I think our sewer bill was about $50 a month. :shocked:

The last time we pumped, the septic guy was talking about the problem he has in dumping which has caused him to raise prices due to longer drive time to the dump station and higher dump fees.

Our tank has two chambers which I think is pretty normal. However, NC state regulations at the time we built the house, only required ONE above/near grade access to allow the cleaning of the filter. This is beyond stupid since what needs to be pump is the first chamber hold the solids which does not need access per code. Some lazy and dishonest pumper would just pump the second chamber, clean the filter and be done. They would not pump the first chamber holding the solids.

We had a second riser added to the solids chamber to make pumping easier and faster. The access to the solids chamber was a good 2 feet below grade.

Later,
Dan

Modern systems here will require a 3 chamber tank. #1 for "stuff", liquid spills into #2 that contains a filter that seeps into #3 that contains a sump pump to force it out to the carefully designed field (the goal is to fill the entire field and not just the first 20 feet so pump size/field pipe are designed to meet that goal). I'll add that we built on the edge of the last glacier and I could dig forever before I didn't find sand. Building codes being "one size fits all", we still had to install perimeter drain pipe inside and out and install a sump-pump that will never be used. The foundation guys laughed when they installed it.

 

[Zerk]

I got to laugh at the TP nazis.

Only $160 to have it pumped here. County requires it pump or inspected every 3 years. Which is BS.


I realize bleach is bad. But I also use it all time for cleaning.

I wipe out fats and grease as best I can. Go through lots of paper towel.


Has anyone actually experience hydrolock on a real septic from running to much water? I don't use that much, so I can't say. I have heard of it on homemade septics.


My use is alot less than people with big families, maybe you are not as crazy as I think you are. But some of you should probably not invite people to your home.

 

[hawkeye08]

We have all these low water use devices​ that contribute to not enough water..

 

[JK22]

We put this up in the bathrooms used by guests. Stole the idea from a houseboat we were on. We have a little basket with these above the toilets. Hospeco KL Waxed Kraft Feminine Hyg...p/B004NN5XV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Yw..yb2K5M506

 

[PILOON]

We put this up in the bathrooms used by guests. Stole the idea from a houseboat we were on. View attachment 507294 We have a little basket with these above the toilets. Hospeco KL Waxed Kraft Feminine Hyg...p/B004NN5XV6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Yw..yb2K5M506

Yes, like that.
Years ago we were in Hawaii and they also had that sign but in English and Japanese.
I obtained a copy from houskeeping and framed it for our loo. Made for good conversation and sure got the message out.

As to adding yeast or any supposedly products to your septics, you don't need any.
Believe me there is enough bacteria in there that nothing is needed. It is all marketing hype.
Just avoid any javel or chlorine based products, especially those toilet bowl cleaners/bleaches that they sell as they are chlorine based.
They also do not recommend garberators as that taxes a septic system.

 

[TomSeller]

I used to get mine pumped every other year, but as of this year it will be pumped every year. the 150 bux every year is just good insurance that I don't get a sewage backup.

I think I am going to adopt that concept.

 

[GGB]

I try to add yeast to our septic system on a regular basis in the form of used beer! Hey, I've never had a problem with our system, so it must be working, right? LOL!