In last week’s blog we talked about misinformation circling the internet, the septic systems are no different. Some people may have thought pumping out the septic tank isn’t necessary, but in fact it is vital for a healthy system. It also saves you money, time, and a very messy situation!
The Family Handyman reveals the top 5 myths about septic systems:
Septic Myth #3: Flushing a Dead Mouse Down the Toilet Helps a Septic System
Some say that a dead mouse contains unique microbes that improve septic system performance. This is false. Every time you flush a toilet for the usual reasons, you’re introducing a fresh infusion of beneficial microbes.
While the old mouse trick seems wise and reassuring, a few ounces of dead animal isn’t providing anything essential that’s not already coming from other sources.
Go ahead and flush dead mice down the toilet if you want, but you’re not doing your septic system any favors. In fact, septic additives in general (even “natural” ones) are questionable, at best.
Septic Myth #4: You Can’t Expect a Septic System to Last More Than 20 Years
Truth be told, many septic systems keep working perfectly after two decades of service. I know because I’ve met many people with 20-plus-year-old systems. The oldest I’ve seen so far is 49 years old, and still working perfectly.
At the other end of the spectrum, I’ve seen septic systems fail after just five years of use. Septic system working life has much more to do with management than it does with some arbitrary lifespan expectation.
To up your system’s chances of a long working life, have the tank pumped every two or three years, avoid putting poisons down the drain and keep your leaching bed mowed and free of anything other than grass.
Septic Myth #5: Clogged Septic Systems Must Be Replaced
The fact is, many clogged septic systems can be restored with maintenance, so replacement isn’t always necessary.
Three of the most common causes of clogs — indigestible sewage solids entering the leaching bed, slimy biomat growths blocking the holes in the perforated leaching pipes and tree roots physically clogging the leaching pipes — can usually be solved without replacing any part of the system.
Instead, look into a process called “jetting,” which involves installing access ports on the ends of the leaching pipes so you can give them an internal pressure-wash to clear them out. There’s no reason that a septic system can’t function indefinitely if the leaching pipes and bed are jetted internally with high-pressure water from time to time.
