 |
These days I find myself selling a lot of property outside of town to people who are not experienced in the care and maintenance of septic systems. Occasionally I hear about a failed septic, and the most common phrase following that disappointment is "I didn't know I had to pump it!" Many people who buy in the country are used to central sewage treatment from a city, and don't understand the simple maintenance required for a self contained system. The Flathead City-County Health Dept. has a great brochure titled "Understanding Your Septic System" Write them for a copy at 723 Fifth Ave E. Kalispell, MT 59901.
Routine maintenance is critical to prevent system failure. Over time, sludge and scum will accumulate in the tank and eventually clog the drainfield. To be on the safe side, the tank should be inspected annually, to determine accumulation of sludge. With ordinary use and care a tank shouldn't have to be pumped more than once every three to five years, depending on the number of people using the system, it's size and design.
Here are a few good tips on what should not be disposed of, and why:
1) Do not deposit: coffee grounds, cooking fats, wet strength paper towels, disposable diapers, facial tissues, cigarette butts, or similar materials, they do not compost.
2) Do not deposit grease down the drain. It can build up in the tank, and plug the inlet. Keep a separate container for the grease, and throw it out with the trash.
3) Ground garbage can find it's way out of the septic tank, and will clog the soil treatment system. If you must use a garbage disposal with a septic system, you may need to pump your system of solids every year or even more often.
4) Compounds that are supposed to make cleaning of septic systems unnecessary should not be added. They may actually harm the system by flushing scum and sludge into the drainfield, thereby clogging the drainfield and causing system failure.
I really want to stress that there is absolutely no reason to feel negative about septic system care and maintenance. I called around and the cost to pump a system is between $250-300.00. Think of it that way and it is a small price to pay for the pleasure of country living. |
|
