Septic Tank Maintenance

[Don87]

So far(knocking on wood), 13 years here and no problems with my septic system. I'm **** about what goes in my tank, the grey water doesn't, and I personally inspect any and all cleaners that go into my tank. If it says 'antibacterial' it doesn't get used in my house...........bacteria is what makes septic systems work. I also use one cake of yeast 4 times per year, a little bacteria boost won't hurt a thing.

 

[sdkubota]

My parents neighbor was in the septic pumping business. He told me many systems don't need to be pumped nearly as often as the 2-3 years that is generally recommended.
Soil conditions, installation, type of system all play a part in how often you need to have a tank pumped but it often comes down to what you put down the drain. As others have posted garbage disposals, water softeners, drain cleaners, and types of soaps or detergents can all have an effect as well.

I have known many tanks that were never pumped out...20+ years.

 

[sdkubota]

As of 2013, our area will require tanks pumped out every 4 years. They'll also require the manhole have risers to bring access above grade. As far as why...good question.

Invest in the local pumping business or start your own.

 

[PILOON]

Our place is on septic system and here is what I have learned over the years.
Single ply tissue only.
No 'magic' additives.
No bleaches in the washing.
No toilet magic sanitizer things hanging in the bowl.
No garberator.
Shower a lot vs baths.
We followed those rules and pumped the tank for the first time in 22 years and the chap said that it was just like a one year old system!

Oh, and count yourself lucky.
5 years ago the city enacted a law mandating pumping every 2 years subject to fines, and they do monitor it, after all it is another nice cash grab.

 

[MBTRAC]

We have a biocycle septic system : two tanks: a waste processing tank & a settlement/treated water tank which has aeration pump to maintain oxygen flow & then pumps out the treated water to irrigate the lawn/garden (no smell ever all clean water ).
After some 14yrs+ it still doesn't require pumping out to clean out the "solids/sentiment" which we attribute ( as others have advised on this thread) to not allowing bleach, antibacterial agents, residue from a garbage disposal or kitchen waste like oils/fat......etc to contaminte the system.
The other important thing to avoid septic "sludge" build up is to use washer liquids & not powders - the clay in powders cannot be digested by any septic system & will accummulate/settle in the processing tank almost like concrete & hasten cleaning pump outs ......

 

[Turbys_1700]

My house was built in 53...
I moved into it in 1985..
Prior to that my grandparents lived in it...
I had to put in some extra leech lines back around 1988 I think but since then the system has never been pumped...
Never...
My house was built back when you could put your grey water out separate from your septic system...
The only thing that goes into my system is the waste water from one toilet and 1 sink...
Don't think I'll be moving anytime soon...