The residential septic system is
typically one of the least troublesome and longest lasting of all
major home systems. In fact, according to information published by
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners may be able to
expect to use their home's septic system for as long as four decades,
or even longer with proactive maintenance habits.
While most homeowners already have a
good understanding of the basic maintenance needs of their septic
system, including having it pumped as needed and limiting the use of
paper products, they may not realize that some of their household's
common practices can harm the system and shorten its lifespan.
Flushing Old Medications
Flushing legal and illegal drugs down
the toilet has been a common practice since the advent of indoor
plumbing. It is, however, not a good plan for the homeowner who wants
to use their septic system for as long as possible.
One problem with this practice is that
many types of commonly prescribed drugs can filter into ground water
supplies after being flushed down a toilet. Homeowners should also be
aware that some particularly strong medications, such as those used
for chemotherapy, are known to destroy the bacterial colonies that
populate a properly functioning septic tank.
Without bacteria to break down waste,
the system's ability to process the waste efficiently will be
impaired and its lifespan may be shortened. Households who have
routinely been flushing expired or unwanted medications down the
toilet can break this bad habit by using a convenient nearby
medication disposal site.
Introducing Unsafe Household
Chemicals
Most available products designed for
use in the average household are manufactured to be septic-safe, when
used as directed. However, some liquids that are commonly found in
the home should never be disposed of in a septic system, including:
Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and
other types of fuel
Vehicle additives, including
anti-freeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid
Insecticides and weed-killers for
home, lawn, or garden use
Solvents, paints, and stains
Additionally, drain cleaners and
products that contain heavy metals, such as lead and zinc, should
never be introduced into a septic system.
When any unsafe household chemical is
poured into a drain or flushed down a toilet, there is potential for
groundwater contamination, damage to pipes and components in the
plumbing and septic systems, and destruction of the necessary
bacteria inside the septic tank.
Homeowners should avoid the over-use of
laundry and dish detergents. Use only the recommended amounts to
ensure that any petro-chemicals contained in the formulas will remain
within a range that is considered safe for residential septic
systems.
Removing Excess Dietary Fats
Low-fat dieting is popular in many
American households. While this type of eating may be beneficial to
the household members, food preparation methods meant to reduce
dietary fat may not be as healthy for the home's septic system.
For example, placing cooked, crumbled
ground beef, turkey, or pork into a colander and then rinsing it
under warm water to remove the fat is a popular low-fat food
preparation technique. This process is effective at removing almost
all the surface fat from the cooked meat but harms your home's
plumbing and septic system.
In fact, any use of the kitchen drain
to dispose of cooking grease and oils over extended periods can
create hardened deposits inside the drain and pipes that feed the
septic system. Any fats that reach the septic tank can form a
congealed layer that impairs the system's ability to efficiently
process waste solids and liquids.
Homeowners who are guilty of these or
other usage habits that may have a negative effect on the efficiency
and lifespan of their septic system are invited to immediately call
on our friendly experts at Pete's
Outflow Technicians
for helpful advice.
