Safeguarding Your Septic

Here at Boden Plumbing we often talk to customer's about the pros and cons of water softeners compared to other water treatment systems. One thing we haven't given a lot of thought to until recently is the impact water softeners may have on home septic systems. If the salts aren't good for you to drink and they make the discharge water unsuitable for graywater systems, what about their effect on the biology and soils associated with a septic system?

It seems the jury's out. No one is ready to give a definitive thumbs up or down on water softeners and septic systems. But there are some important things to consider if you do use a water softener or are thinking of installing one - and are on septic.

1. Do the salts in the discharge water adversely affect the beneficial bacteria in the tank?
2. Does the additional discharge from water softening system overload your system's capacity?
3. Do the salts that settle out in the leach field affect percolation?

Know where you septic system is located and familiarize yourself with how it functions. There are certainly ways to minimize negative impacts, as well as a whole host of things you can do to keep your system healthy and functioning properly.

Know Your System

Wastewater from toilets, baths and sinks flows into a septic tank. A septic tank holds the wastewater allowing solids to settle as sludge. Lighter liquids like oil float to the top as scum. Wastewater remains in the middle. Baffles at the inlet and outlet allow only the separated wastewater to flow out. A leach field drains the wastewater and allows it to leach into the ground where bacteria decomposes the sewage. Disease–causing organisms, organic matter, sewage and most nutrients are removed. The clarified wastewater moves downward into the groundwater or is evaporated from the soil. Buildup of scum and sludge should be removed every 2-3 years by pumping the tank. The distribution box channels wastewater into perforated pipes, which drain into the leach field.

Keep Your Septic Healthy

• Inspect your septic tank once every year and pump as necessary.
• Avoid putting materials such as grease, cigarettes, coffee grounds, feminine hygiene products, solvents, paints, caustic chemicals, or pesticides down your drains. Even products such as paper towels, wipes, heavy toilet paper and other sanitary items that you might think are OK to go down the drain can unduly tax your septic system and shorten the time between necessary clean outs.
  
• Avoid the use of chemical septic tank additives.
• Use water wisely. Keep your usage below the “daily designated flow” or the maximum number of gallons the system was designed to handle per day.
• Limit garbage disposal use. Better yet, do not use a garbage disposal if you're on septic.
  
• Don’t construct patios, carports, decks, or other structures over the leach field or septic tank.
• Don't use landscaping plastic over the leach field or septic tank.
• Keep vehicles and other heavy machinery off of the septic tank and leach field areas at all times.
• Don’t compact the soil over the tank or leach field in any way.
• Direct surface drainage and water from roof drains away from the drain field and septic tank.
• Don’t dispose of water from hot tubs in to the septic tank.
• Keep a detailed record of all septic system maintenance activities.
• Be aware of the location of all septic system components.
• If you have a pump system be aware of the precautions to take during a prolonged power outage.
• Don’t plant anything but grass near your septic system. Roots from shrubs and trees can cause damage.
• If your tank is over 15 years old, have it inspected for baffle deterioration (sooner if you have a water conditioner)
• Never use anti-bacterial soaps

Do Your Research

:: Water Softener Use Raises Questions for Septic System Owners
:: Biological augmentation of septic systems at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast.
:: Water conditioners & septic tanks - some advice from a MD contractor.
:: BioSmart - for cleaner, healthier drains.
:: Nature's Miracle reduces scale without increasing salts.

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Boden Plumbing primarily serves Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Petaluma area. We provide a full range of residential plumbing repairs and services.
866-663-7577
www.nodrips.com