cesspool odors

[OKnewguy]

I would try the rid-x as a last resort. The general consensus is that it actually can hurt septic systems.. I read in a number of universty studies when I was researching up on my septic system. Most of what I read for septic and "septic ponds" said that the natural bacteria is better left alone. I have seen sest pools at campground that have a constant group of sprinklers spray a lite mist over them, I think that this might help. Good luck /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[SPIKER]

i'm with guys who said KEEP it, you can then later pump the septic into the cespool by means of a trash pump, otherwise you will be foreced to PAY sopmeone to do this on a 3~5 yr cycle (sooner if you have several girls in the house!) some yeast works well, not too much as it will over populate the cespool with bacteria and it will all die off and it will really get stinky. if you can get an air stone/bubbler in there that will help emensly! add some wild pond caught snails too...

anyhow keep out the bleach from the washer and welll as much as possable...

MarkM

 

[Freds]

OKnewguy,
What do they suggest be used to build bacteria up if it's been diluted? Yeast?

 

[stevenf]

Freds,
So what your saying is all the recycled beer should not go in my porcelain pal. But any chunky stuff should be quite at home.
I hadn't heard the yeast idea yet although I've strongly considered the lime which is what is typically used in a deer camps outhouse although then its usually a predominance of solids and each person who visits sprinkles a little lime over the top before exiting the building. Yeah kinda like Elvis only different.
Steve

 

[tracdoc]

Steven,

I would suggest two products for your consideration.
1. Roebic Laboratories K47 Cesspool Treatment [HERE]
2. Gempler's Farm Digestant [HERE]

Roebic Labs has extensive experience in this field, both commercial and residential. I use their septic treatment regularly. The composition of the cesspool treatment is different than the septic treatment since cesspools are more aerobic, while septic systems are more anaerobic. Rid-X imho is not suitable for cesspools. You can find Roebic products at TSC, and Wally World, too. Just make sure you use the K47.

The Gempler's Farm digestant would also be a good addition to your cesspool. It's sold for use in sewage lagoons, but if you read the specs, it can be used effectively in cesspools as well.

To get ahead of your problem, I would use a healthy dose of the K47. Depending on the volume of your pool, I'm thinking 2-4 bottles. Then wait about a week or two, and see how it sweetens up. If ok, you could then go with regular (weekly or bi-weeky) dosing with the Farm Digestant. Mix up the dry powder with water. Let it sit for an hour or so to activate the bacterial spores into poop-munching live bacteria, and then flush down the commode. I would repeat the K47 about every 6-9 months down the road just for insurance. When you use the right bacteria, you can't really overtreat your system.

Hope that helps... it should be better than going around with clothespins on your noses /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[OKnewguy]

When I moved and inherited my first septic system, I researched quite a bit. It seemed that there are a lot of myths about what to do with these systems. The largest one was things like rid-x, and leaving some starter poop (to rejuvenate the bacteria) in the tank when it is pumped. NOW this was with septic tanks and leach fields but I would think that it would apply to this as well. I also have heard that yeast is good, and aeration.
Back to the rid-x thing, a lot of research shows that these type of additives might evan be harmfull in the leach field. It can gum up the lines and leave you with a slime. It seems that the natural bacteria is the best and keeping it healthy by not disposing of harsh cleaning products, grease, chlorine, and not using a garbage disposal often is the best. I picked my septic tank pumpers brain and he basically said that if it is stuff that you eat and (ultimately pass) then it is alright. So if you would not eat it don't flush it.
My 2 cents, /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[stevenf]

Tracdoc,
Thanks I'll stop at Wally World on the way home and see if they stock the K47 that sound like it might do it. Maybe get some 57 also and see if we can get it purkin again or faster.
Whats really bad is I host a Boy Scout group 70 kids + adults at the ranch a couple of times a year and their campout is in 3 weeks or so. To avoid having paper flying all over the ranch we let them use the toilets in the house for #2 only.
How'd that old rock song go, OH OH that smell!
Steve

 

[tracdoc]

Steve,

Just was thinkin' about your scouting group overstressing your cesspool. Would it be practical, cost effective, etc. to rent a couple of porta-potties like you see all over on construction sites?
If the scout activity is only 2x a year, that may be a consideration, especially for the one coming up in 3 weeks. That way you would not get right back behind the 8-ball after a potentially good solution with the K47/57 and some Gemplers. Just a thought...

 

[Freds]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( So what your saying is all the recycled beer should not go in my porcelain pal. But any chunky stuff should be quite at home )</font>

Pretty much. That's the way I had it explained to me. There's a new racetrack not too far from me and my septic guy said they had the same problem I was having in my business... not enough use for solids, so too little bacteria to do the job. Hence, the odor. He said there was too much beer drinking going on and not enough hot dog eating /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

First time I hear the phrase, "Too much beer drinking".
Didn't know there was such a thing.
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[JJT]

"we're talking about an open pit about 5' across and 3' deep with fluid and ew in it."

Get the darned thing covered. That should cut down the odor at least 95%, you're talking about raw untreated sewage....