The Scoop on Poop - #2
By Susan Bashor
That was not intentional. In case you missed our column last week, here’s a brief recap... DON’T FORGET TO HAVE YOUR SEPTIC TANK CLEANED OUT REGULARLY! If you would like more information on septic systems in general, give us a call and we’ll happily send you out a brochure (or two or three) so that you can get yourself well educated.
As promised, this time I will explain to you some of the things we see when we’re out and about pumping septic tanks and cleaning plugged septic and sewer lines. By the way, if you pay a monthly sewer bill you probably live on city sewer. All of the plumbing in your house converges into one line we call a “main sewer line” which leaves your house and heads out to the street where all of your household “stuff” dumps into the city’s sewer lines and heads off to the treatment plant. If you live outside of the area the city services, you have a septic tank and the lines in your house all converge and leave the house on their way to the septic tank in what we call a “main septic line”
When you live with a septic system, in addition to scheduling a regular pumping of the sludge, there are other things you should keep in mind.
If you are used to living on a city sewer system, you need to be aware that things are a little different when you live on a septic system. For example, garbage disposals are not good for septic systems and in many parts of the country are simply not allowed if you have a septic system. Septic systems like things that break down easily, not raw carrots that float on the top of the water level and really just take up space and clutter things up. Plastic applicators and baby wipes are items that do not break down but instead, often gang up in order to become a giant plug at the spot where your septic inlet line meets the septic tank. Your septic system works the best and in fact thrives on simplicity. It does not need chemicals or additives or dead cats, a slab of steak (or the wrong kind of yeast some try to add) in order to function properly. When living with a septic system, the KISS rule applies. It’s that easy. Toilet paper and waste should go down the septic drain and not much more.
If you manage to get a soap or grease build up or are plugged due to being overfull because you forgot to get your septic cleaned, don’t forget that your full service Sweet Pea team of professionals can easily get you flowing again. With our high pressure jetting system, we can clean lines very thoroughly. It’s true that in many homes a slow tub drain or laundry drain may just need a really good cleaning after years of use. Should you use a strong drain cleaner? Yes, but the flesh and blood kind, not the type that comes in a bottle (by the way, our guys are really strong). Any chemical that has a little poison symbol on it is telling you that it’s dangerous for you and thus, dangerous for your septic. Let me tell you the story of the bugs...
Your septic tank is full of what we like to call “good bugs” that originate from your and other contributor’s own bodies. Bleaches, harsh cleaners and chemicals, little blue flush balls, all of these items KILL THE GOOD BUGS. When the good bugs are dead, they are not able to do their job in the septic tank, which is to break down solids. Then what? Solids will build up rapidly to create a contaminated septic tank, you’ll call Sweet Pea, we’ll be forced to take your money because it’s not our fault you killed your bugs and you’ll be upset you had to spend the extra money. Got bugs?
I’m out of space again. There is so much more that you need to know. Next time I’ll tell you all about the importance of inlet and outlet tees, introduce you to an item now being required by the Ravalli County sanitarian called an effluent filter and how you should maintain that, plus risers and outdoor odors.
I know I promised to fill you in on the picture but I’ve run out of room... maybe next time. Until then, happy flushing and don’t forget to e-mail us with any questions or comments or give us a call at 728-3533 or 961-3377.
Sweet Pea
Sewer & Septic
#1 in the #2 Business Because We Know Our Stuff!
