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Plumbing Installations and Septic Systems

Mar 02, 2022

Plumbing installations have different effects on the septic system. Practice responsible use of these installations to avoid negative effects on the septic system. Below is an overview of such plumbing installations and their effects on the septic system.

Toilets

The type of toilet you use determines its effect on your septic system. For example, old toilets that use a lot of water per flush might overwhelm the septic system with water. Some of these old systems use as much as 7 gallons of water per flush. If you have such toilets, your septic system might not be able to treat and dispose of the wastes in a timely manner.

Use a low-flush toilet the next time you install or replace your toilet. The low-flush varieties use as little as 1.28 gallons of water per flush. The reduced volume will ease the pressure on your septic system and allow it to work efficiently at all times.

Bidets

A bidet is a plumbing installation you use to clean yourself after using the toilet. The bidet eliminates or reduces the need for toilet paper. A conventional bidet effectively cleans so that you only use the toilet paper to dry yourself. Electric bidets have drying functions, so you don't have to use toilet paper at all. Below are two ways bidets benefit the septic system.

Reduced Risk of Clogging

Although toilet paper is not bad for the septic system, the type and quantity of toilet paper you use matter. Thick or excess toilet paper increases the risk of clogging in your drainage system. Clogged systems can slow the drains and even cause septic backups. A bidet reduces or eliminates toilet paper use to resolve this issue.

Reduced Water

Some people think that bidets can harm the septic system by increasing water use. However, that is not the case if you use the right bidet and toilet. Look for aerated bidets that use minimal water and pair them with low-flush toilets, and you are good to go.

Water Softener

Many people use water softeners to soften hard water. Hard water contains minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, with undesirable effects. For example, hard water:

Discolors clothes
Corrodes plumbing pipes
Blocks water pipes and fixtures
Makes the skin and hair dull
Stains surfaces, such as bathroom walls and floors

Unfortunately, some water softeners affect the septic system's efficiency. The water softeners add minerals to neutralize the offending ions in hard water. The added minerals can affect the septic system bacteria and accelerate wear and tear on concrete septic tanks.

Use an efficient water softener to minimize such effects. Efficient water softeners use fewer minerals than older and inefficient water softeners. You can also help by treating only the necessary water and not all the water you use.

Garbage Disposal

A garbage disposal grinds kitchen wastes to safely flow down the drain. Here are some ways the garbage disposal can affect your septic system:

The disposal can send wastes that don't decompose easily into the septic system.
The garbage disposal can overwhelm the septic system with waste.
Hot water from the disposal can kill bacteria in the septic tank.

Here are practical tips to mitigate the effects:

Only use the garbage disposal for wastes that decompose easily. Avoid hard wastes, such as beef bones, eggshells, or coffee grounds.
Remove grease, oil, and fats from food wastes before you use the disposal.
Use cold water for the garbage disposal.
Use the garbage disposal sparingly to reduce waste accumulation in the septic tank.

Let a septic company evaluate your tank and advise you on the pumping frequency based on the garbage disposal's use.

At AAA Pumping Service, Inc., we have over 60 years of experience in the septic industry. Contact us for quotes on your septic needs and enjoy our professional services.

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