6 Surprising Things About Your Septic System

You may not enjoy dwelling on the septic tank buried in your yard, but the more you understand about it, the easier it is to maintain. Since proper septic maintenance can prevent messy backups, expensive repairs, and a shortened lifespan, it’s certainly worth learning more. Here are six things we bet you never knew about your septic tank.

Septic systems are layered.

The substances floating around the tank naturally separate into three distinct layers:

  • Heavy solids, including human waste and food scraps, comprise the “sludge” layer at the bottom.
  • Lighter waste products, such as hair and toilet paper, float on top, forming a “scum” layer.
  • The remaining liquid forms the “effluent” layer in the middle.

Good bacteria in your septic system need your help.

The contents of your septic tank break down after several days, thanks to the bacteria found in waste. However, the average septic system contains over 100 chemical pollutants that threaten naturally occurring bacteria. The best way to avoid stripping your tank of vital microorganisms is to use septic-safe cleaning products in moderation.

Septic additives are an important part of septic health.

In addition to keeping harsh chemicals out, be sure to introduce a septic additive to the system once a month. This counteracts the effects of household cleaning products, restoring good bacteria and enzymes and keeping your septic system working as it should.

Your toilet paper might take a while to dissolve, depending on what you use.

Single-ply, rapidly dissolving, septic-safe toilet paper is highly recommended. Products with these qualities break up faster than ordinary toilet tissue, which is good news for a healthy septic system.

Septic tank gases can be deadly.

There’s a good reason why untrained individuals should never attempt septic repairs—the gases can be lethal. Newer tanks have risers—lids at ground level—so technicians can inspect and pump the tank more easily. It’s also possible to upgrade existing tanks by installing risers. Regardless of your septic tank’s age or condition, pumping and repairs are best left to a professional.

Putting the wrong things down the drain can harm your septic system.

Make sure no one pours or flushes anything down the drain that doesn’t belong there. Here are examples of items that should never end up in a septic tank:

  • Paper towels and facial tissues
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Baby wipes and diapers
  • Cooking grease
  • Coffee grounds
  • Medication
  • Cigarette butts
  • Dryer sheets
  • Chemical drain cleaner
  • Dead goldfish

Fortunately, if foreign objects make their way into the septic system, you can have the tank pumped before it causes a backup. Turn to Trinity Liquid Waste for all the septic services you need, including septic pumping, septic inspections, and septic repairs. We are even available 24 hours a day to lend a hand when you need us most. Contact us online or call 510-874-6489 to schedule septic services in the San Francisco Bay Area.