3 Septic Tank Myths & the Truth Behind Them
If you have a septic system, then you likely know that you need to care for your system properly to prevent problems and help keep your entire home plumbing system running smoothly. However, you may believe some common septic tank care myths that are preventing you from properly maintaining your tank to ward off problems and potentially extend the life of your entire septic system.
Read on to learn three septic tank care myths and the truth behind these common misconceptions.
Myth #1: Additives Eliminate the Need for Pumpings
There are numerous septic tank additives on the market made by manufacturers that claim their products eliminate the need for regular pumpings. These additives are typically made up of various enzymes and/or microbes touted to break down tank solids. While some of these products may help slightly break down these solids, no tank additive has been proven to break down sludge efficiently enough to completely eliminate the need for regular pumpings.
Every tank needs to be pumped on a regular basis to remove the layer of solids, or sludge, that builds up in the tank. Sludge that is not pumped on a regular basis can enter the outlet pipe that leads from your septic tank to your drain field and clog it, leading to wastewater backing up into your home drains. If sludge flows through this pipe without clogging it and into your drain field, these solids can clog your drain field pipes and disrupt your drain field bacterial balance, potentially leading to complete drain field failure.
Every septic tank needs to be pumped every two to three years, whether additives are added to the tank or not, to prevent backups and drain field problems.
Myth #2: Winter Problems Cannot Be Prevented
Freezing temperatures during the winter can lead to many septic system problems. When temperatures drop, your pipes and even your septic tank can freeze, limiting your family's ability to introduce wastewater into the system at all. In addition, pipes can burst and your septic tank can crack when the water inside of them freezes and expands.
Thankfully, you can take many steps to prevent these problems before they occur. First, never intentionally use your system less during the winter in an attempt to prevent problems — septic systems are less prone to freezing when water is constantly flowing through them due to frequent use.
Also, add a layer of mulch to the ground on top of your septic system and drain field before cold winter temperatures arrive. A mulch layer acts as natural insulation that helps keep the ground around your septic system from freezing.
Myth #3: All Toilet Paper Is Septic Safe
While many toilet paper manufacturers label their products septic safe, the truth is that some toilet paper types are much more likely to cause problems than others.
Some toilet papers labeled septic safe do not break down as quickly and efficiently than others, and using the wrong toilet paper can increase the chance of clogs and back-ups. In addition, the chemicals used during the creation of some toilet paper types can potentially disrupt the natural bacterial balance in your tank.
To reduce the chance of problems caused by toilet paper, stock your home with single-ply, biodegradable toilet paper. This toilet paper breaks down quickly to limit the chance of it causing problems. In addition, choose a toilet paper made from recycled materials that is less likely to contain chlorine bleach and other chemicals that can disrupt the bacterial balance of your tank.
Forget these three myths now that you know the truth behind them to help keep your septic system working well year round. Contact the septic tank experts at AAA Pumping Service Inc. to schedule a septic tank pumping or other needed service today.
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Address: 2855 2nd Street Southwest , Albuquerque, NM 87102
Phone: 505-345-3965
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