How Often Shoul A Septic Tank Be Pumped With A Water Softner? (TOP 5 Tips)

As a general rule of thumb, a four-bedroom home with a 1200- to 1500-gallon tank should have the septic tank pumped every three to five years.

According to industry experts, you should pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years. This range ensures reliable year-round operation and lets your plumbing company identify and resolve any potential problems. A proactive approach helps avoid potential health risks and costly repairs.

Do water softeners affect septic systems?

Research shows that not only does an efficient, well operating water softener have no negative effect on septic systems but the water softener has a potential to aid it.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.

Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
You Hear Gurgling Water.
You Have A Sewage Backup.

How often should you empty your septic tank?

How often does a 1000 gallon holding tank need to be pumped?

For a household of 4 with a 1,000-gallon tank, it’s advised that it be pumped every 2.6 years, but for a 1,500-gallon tank, the time can be extended to 4.2 years and up to 5 years for a 2,000-gallon tank. The size of the house will figure out the size of the septic tank.

How often does a 3000 gallon holding tank need to be pumped?

How often does my holding tank need to be pumped? A holding tank may need to be pumped every 30 to 90 days depending on how much waste is generated and the size of the tank.

How do I dispose of brine water from my water softener?

How to Dispose of Water Softener Salt

Remove the salt from the water softener and place it in a bucket.

Sprinkle the salt in an area overgrown with weeds.
Save the salt until winter.
Dump the bucket of salt into a trash bag.

Fill a bathtub with water.

Will the water softener water damage the grass?

Softened water is treated with salt to help remove the minerals from hard water. It’s unlikely that your water softener salt will kill your grass, especially not by using it to water occasionally. But prolonged use of soft water just isn’t ideal for your garden.

How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

1) Get on a Schedule.
2) Take Care of the System.

3) Know the Parts of Your System.
4) Check Other Possible Issues.

How do I unclog my septic system?

If you experience a clog in your drain, here are a few of the safe ways you can go about unclogging it.

Pour Hot Water Down the Drain. If you have a clog in your drain, one of the easiest methods you can use to try to remove it is pour hot water down the drain.
Baking Soda and Vinegar.
Septic-Safe Drain Cleaners.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

What’s the difference between a septic system and a holding tank?

HOLDING TANKS ARE DIFFERENT FROM SEPTIC TANKS However, instead of releasing treated wastewater into the ground through a drainfield, the holding tank temporarily stores the effluent for removal and transportation to a treatment facility.

How long do septic holding tanks last?

A properly maintained septic tank can last up to 40 years. With proper maintenance, including inspections, pumping, and repairs as soon as a problem arises, septic systems are the perfect choice for homeowners looking for an alternative to city sewage.

How big should a septic tank be for a 3 bedroom house?

The correct size of the septic tank depends mostly on the square footage of the house and the number of people living there. Most residential septic tanks range in size from 750 gallons to 1,250 gallons. An average 3-bedroom home, less than 2500 square feet will probably require a 1000 gallon tank.

What does a holding tank cost?

The size of the tank, the distance to the disposal area, and the going rate in your area. All of these factors determine the price of pumping a holding tank. The price range can be from $150 to $600 depending on where you live in the country.

How often does a 2500 gallon holding tank need to be pumped?

A 2,500-gallon tank used by the same size family will need a pump every 5.9 years, while a 500-gallon tank’s pumping frequency may be as short as 7 months.

How Often Should I Have My Septic Tank Pumped?

That item in the earth near your house, do you remember it? You know, the one that treats the filthy water that comes out of the faucet? Oh, that’s right, it’s referred to as a septic tank! You may be surprised to learn that it’s one of the simplest home maintenance systems to overlook because it’s buried in the ground and, for the most part, operates automatically. Getting your septic tank pumped, on the other hand, is just as vital as keeping your other house systems, despite the fact that it doesn’t require as much maintenance.

When should you get your septic system drained, you might wonder.

Service intervals may vary depending on the size of your tank, the number of people in your household, the presence or absence of a waste disposal, the weather, and other factors.

The following are typical septic tank sizes in proportion to home size:

750 gallons: 1-2 bedrooms with 1,500 or less square feet
900 gallons: 3 bedrooms with 1,500-2,500 square feet

1000 gallons: 4 bedrooms with 2,500-3,500 square feet
1250 gallons: 5 bedrooms with 2,500-3,500 square feet
1500 gallons: 6 bedrooms with 3,500 to 5,500 square feet

The information provided above is correct, however keep in mind that it should not be taken as gospel. It is possible that your state, city, or county will have standards for a minimum septic tank size that will apply regardless of the size of your property. There are a few additional factors that might influence how often you have your septic tank drained, including the following:

Use of the garbage disposal on a regular basis
Running a company from home

Dumping non-septic-friendly products down the drain on a regular basis Guest entertainment on a regular basis
Related to the septic system is a wastewater ejector pump
Connected to the septic tank is the use of a water softener. Laundry is done more often than the typical person or household

Having your septic tank drained at least once every three years is a good idea if you haven’t done it in a long time. Otherwise, if you chance to observe any of the following, you can usually determine if your septic tank is full or has failed:

The drains in your home are backed up. noxious scents, such as sewer odours
Standing water around your property or in the vicinity of your septic tank

However, sewage obstructions or clogged pipes can often appear to be the same as septic tank problems, making a professional diagnosis the best course of action. If you haven’t seen any of these signs but believe your septic tank may be overdue for a cleaning, find the tank’s access port. To begin, make sure you have gloves, protective glasses, and other protective clothes on before vertically inserting a 6-10 foot wooden rod into the septic tank. If the sludge covers more than one-third of the rod, it’s time to install a pump to clear the blockage.

Allow the pros at Miller’s to handle the situation for you!

Otherwise, please feel free to visit our septic pumping homepage at any time.

Chart: How Often Should a Septic Tank be Pumped Out?

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Septic Tank Maintenance

Out of sight, out of memory, as they say. Due to the fact that septic tanks are subterranean and the access port is typically covered in mud and difficult to reach, pumping your septic tank is one of the most common home maintenance jobs to neglect.

However, doing this critical maintenance work can help you prevent having to deal with odorous and expensive septic tank or drain field repairs in the future. As long as they are maintained consistently, septic tanks may survive for decades and provide dependable sewage treatment.

How Often Should a Septic Tank Be Pumped Out?

That’s an excellent question, and the answer is dependent on a number of factors. The size of your family, the size of your tank, whether or not you have a garbage disposal, and the temperature are all factors that will determine how often you should get your tank serviced. To determine how often you should pump your septic tank, use the table below.

How Do I Know My Septic Tank is Full?

You should be cautious of a full septic tank before your yard is completely swamped with sewage, right? The presence of backed-up drains in your house is a solid indication that your septic tank needs to be emptied out. Septic tank failure can also be indicated by foul odors, sewage odours, or standing water outside your home. Clogged pipes or sewage obstructions can sometimes appear to be septic tank issues, so it’s important to have a professional inspect the system and make a proper diagnosis.

In order to be safe, put on gloves, protective gear, and protective eyewear before inserting a 6′ – 10′ wooden rod vertically into the septic tank.

Septic Tank Pump Chart

Make use of the table below to determine the proper service interval for your septic system. Keep in mind that this chart is intended to serve as a guide only, not as a fail-safe. Some states, towns, and counties may have minimum septic tank regulations that are not dependent on the size of your residence.

What Variables Affect Septic Tank Service Intervals?

The servicing intervals shown above are only suggestions. There are a variety of factors that influence how frequently you should pump your septic tank, including the following:

You employ a waste disposal on a regular basis. You own and operate a home-based business. You routinely flush coffee grounds or other non-septic-friendly items down the toilet

You have a clogged drain
You frequently host parties for your friends and family. It is necessary to have a sewage ejector pump installed in your septic system. It is necessary to utilize a water softener that is connected to the septic system. When compared to the typical person or household, you do more laundry.

Professional Septic Tank Pumping

Pumping a septic tank is not a do-it-yourself project. Because Mr. Rooter® Plumbing is a locally owned and operated firm, they have all of the required equipment and knowledge to pump your septic tank. Find the septic tank access port, and dig it out if it is buried if you want to assist reduce the amount of time that has to be spent on the service. This may sometimes feel like a treasure quest! Simply contact us at 855-982-2028 or fill out our online appointment request form to speak with one of our technicians.

Rooter LLC makes this blog available solely for educational reasons, in order to provide the reader with broad knowledge and a comprehensive comprehension of the specific subject matter discussed above.

Before beginning any household improvement, be sure you are in compliance with local and state rules.

How Often Should You Have Your Septic Tank Pumped Out?

What is the quality of your memory? Do you have trouble recalling key dates such as birthdays and anniversaries? Do you plan your week in your brain or do you need a paper or phone calendar to keep track of your appointments? And now for the big question: when was the last time you had your septic tank pumped? While that final issue may not be as crucial for your everyday life, it is a vital one to consider when it comes to maintaining your household’s plumbing system operating efficiently.

It has its advantages to have a septic system rather than being connected to a municipal sewer system, but there are certain basic maintenance requirements to be aware of. It will be discussed in this post how frequently you should get your septic tank pumped.

Why a septic tank needs to be pumped

In the event that you flush your toilet or throw away leftover dinner scraps down a trash disposal, wastewater flows down the drain, through subterranean pipelines, and into the septic tank. The majority of the water is discharged into the ground, while the garbage is contained within the tank. The particles from the sewage will eventually fill the tank. Eventually, when it reaches its maximum capacity, it will overflow, and you will have terrible smells, a muddy yard, and plumbing problems inside your home.

Frequency of tank maintenance

Your septic tank pumping frequency is determined by the size of your tank, how many people live in your house, and other considerations such as whether you have a trash disposal or a water softener system, how often you do laundry, and how often you flush non-septic-friendly objects down the toilet. However, the following are some general guidelines:

500-gallon tank for a family of two – pump once every 2.5 years

1000-gallon tank for a family of three – pump once every 4 years
Family of five – 1000-gallon tank – pump once every 2 years
Family of five – 1500-gallon tank – pump once every 3.5 years

As you can see, it is recommended that you get your tank pumped every 3-4 years on average. However, if you discover any indicators of a septic system backlog before then, you should get your tank pumped as soon as possible. Slow drains throughout the house, as well as gurgling sounds coming from the toilet when flushed, are some of the warning indicators to look out for.

Scheduling septic tank pumping service

Once you remember to schedule septic tank maintenance, your work is done for the day. If you need help with the filthy (and stinky) task of pumping, Rick’s Plumbing can help you. Once the tank has been thoroughly cleaned, it should be fine to go for several more years. For further information or to make an appointment, please contact (203) 874-6629.

Septic Tank System was published on August 14, 2019 under the category.

How Do Water Softeners Affect Septic Systems?

Return to the Resources page. Several organizations, including the National Sanitation Foundation(NSF), the Water Quality Association(WQA), and the Small Scale Waste Management Project(SSWMP) at the University of Wisconsin, have conducted research on the relationship between a water softener and a septic system as far back as the 1970s. According to the findings of the research, not only does an effective, properly working water softener have no harmful impact on septic systems, but the water softener may even have the ability to benefit them.

How a septic system works.

When it comes to understanding the components of a septic system, it is beneficial to be aware of any potential affects that your water softener may have on it. A standard septic system is comprised of three components: a septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainfield, all of which are connected by pipes to one another. Septic tanks collect wastewater that passes through pipes from the residence to the septic tank, where solids (sludge) settle at the bottom of the tank and lighter materials float to the top of the tank (scum layer).

Both levels of the septic system are partially degraded during the septic treatment process, which is aided by bacteria that naturally reside in human waste. As additional wastewater is discharged from the residence, the septic tank empties into a drain field, which collects the water.

How a water softener works.

We will briefly discuss the fundamentals of a water softener now that you are familiar with the fundamentals of a septic system. This will assist you in understanding how a water softener works in conjunction with your sewage system. More information on how a water softener works may be found in our article “How a Water Softener Works.” In order to prevent buildup in your plumbing and appliances, as well as dry hair and skin, discolored clothing and glassware, as well as other home issues, water softeners remove hard minerals from your water.

The resin in the media tank is responsible for removing nuisance minerals from the water so that soft water may be supplied throughout the house.

Salt water is used to clean the resin, knocking off any hardness minerals that have accumulated and flushing them down the drain so that the unit is ready to remove any further minerals that may have accumulated.

Why a water softener can help a septic system function better.

It is a common misconception that using a water softener in conjunction with a septic system may impair the efficacy of the bacteria that your septic system need to function properly. Despite the fact that research undertaken by the University of Wisconsin has revealed that this is not the case. According to the findings of the University, soft water can improve the biological efficiency of a septic tank. The correct quantity of salt in soft water encourages bacterial development, which helps to optimize the septic treatment process.

By utilizing only a little number of cleaning materials, you may reduce the likelihood of having to worry about the impact these chemicals will have on your septic system in the future.

Why an efficient water softener will not disrupt a septic system.

The little quantity of wastewater created by the regeneration process and released to your septic tank is sometimes erroneously seen as a source of disruption. One source of worry with regard to water softeners and septic systems is that the volume and rate of brine discharge can cause a septic tank to overflow and cause a backup in the drain field. It was found that brine output from well-operated water softeners (50 gallons per regeneration) did not overflow, according to a research commissioned by the Water Quality Research Foundation and completed in 2012.

Why it is it necessary to have a high performance water softener.

It is critical to understand how the quality of a water softener may have an impact on the performance of a septic system. The debate over whether or not to install a water softener and a septic system is still ongoing, in part because of the prevalence of highly inefficient water softeners. It is possible for improperly running water softeners to generate excessive amounts of brine waste when regenerating more than is necessary, which in some situations might cause difficulties with older septic systems.

If your water softener is leaking an excessive amount of salt and water, this might have a severe impact on the performance of your septic system. That is why it is critical for every home to have a water softener system that is properly maintained and operates efficiently.

Where to look for efficient water softeners.

When it comes to determining the best water treatment for your house, the expertise of water treatment specialists may be quite beneficial. Using a water softener that is integrated with Water Efficient Technology (W.E.T.) can help ensure that your septic system will benefit from the use of a water softener. Water-saving systems that employ W.E.T. use exactly the quantity of salt and water that is required and nothing more, guaranteeing that your home waste is never excessive. More information may be found in our infographic, “How W.E.T.

If you have any further questions about how a water softener may affect the operation of your septic system, you should speak with your local dealer.

Let Us Pair You with a Local Water Expert

Here are the answers to that question, as well as information on the consequences of utilizing a water softener in conjunction with a septic system. It is not true that the regeneration outputs from water softeners represent a threat to septic systems or the leach field. Studies have shown that water softener regeneration wastes do not interfere with the percolation of soil in the septic tank system drain field, but that the polyvalent water hardness cations in the regeneration discharges actually improve soil percolation, particularly in fine-textured soils, as a result of their presence in the regeneration discharges.

The results of this study were published in the late 1970s.

A more recent review of this research report was conducted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, and an expert in on-site waste treatment stated in October 1993 that he “does not believe that the conclusions of the earlier study would change because the chemistry and physics of soils have not changed.” He goes on to explain that he is certain that this effort will continue to be of high scientific quality.

These investigations have definitely demonstrated that waste effluents from water softeners do not cause difficulties for septic tanks.
The installation has not resulted in any damage or hazard, but it has benefited many households with convenience and financial savings.

Even in Montmorillinite clay soils, the states have decided that the discharge of brine wastes from water softening equipment has no major impact on the permeability of soils appropriate for use with soil absorption systems.
The addition of salt to a septic system through the use of soft water has been shown to have favorable impacts on the bacteria’s ability to digest waste.
In fact, they produce less trash per unit of time and at a slower rate of addition than waste from automated washers.

Several studies by the University of Wisconsin and the National Sanitation Foundation have demonstrated that when the sodium content from the softener regeneration cycle is released into the soil via a septic system, the effect is an improvement in the soil’s percolation rather than a disadvantage.

Fred P Miller, Professor of Soil Science at the Department of Agronomy at the University of Maryland, who reached the same result.
It has been estimated that the average household uses between 50 and 75 percent less soap than the average professional cleaner.

A well-known reality is that many homeowners do not properly maintain their septic systems.
Aside from that, having soft or stain-free water on hand makes it easier for the homeowner to keep their materials clean while also reducing the amount of water utilized.
Many people are under the idea that water conditioning equipment regenerates on a regular basis and that it adds a significant amount of sodium salts to the waste water.

It’s important to note that this is not the case; a typical household of four persons would require softener regeneration around four to five times every week.
The septic tank research clearly demonstrates that when water conditioning effluent is released into properly designed private septic systems, there are no negative consequences to the environment.

To soften or not to soften septic tanks is a question of whether to soften or not.

However, with more than 20 million on-site residential disposal systems in operation, this is a topic that many homeowners have questioned.

After careful consideration, the answer is NO – soften your voice with assurance.

An underground concrete or steel tank, placed at a certain distance from the house and below the frost line, collects the waste from the plumbing system of a home’s plumbing system.

The heavier particles sink to the tank’s bottom as soon as the effluent enters, whereas the more buoyant chemicals rise to the surface as soon as it leaves.

An anaerobic process is a bacterial action that takes place in the absence of oxygen, and it is defined as follows: Another vented system operates in a similar manner, but the breakdown is aerobic, requiring the presence of oxygen.

Perforated, loosely linked pipes carry the water to a distribution box, where it is routed to a drainage field by gravity.

Pipes are typically installed in gravel or loose rock beds to improve the dispersion of the water and to prevent clogging.

The opposite side of the coin is concerned with water before it reaches the faucet and includes the water softening system.

Ion exchange resin interacts with the influent water, exchanging sodium ions for calcium and magnesium ions, and the process is repeated.

Water becomes “hard” due to the presence of these ions; substituting the calcium and magnesium ions for sodium or potassium ions results in the water being “soft.” It is important to discharge some surplus regenerant salt (sodium chloride or potassium chloride) in order to fuel the regeneration reaction during the regeneration cycle.

Assumptions that are incorrect: When softened water became available in the 1970s, a number of counties and states grew worried about the impact it might have on septic systems.
In the scientific community, it is well understood that bacterial life forms are harmed by environments that contain either too much or too little salt.

The second source of worry was that the backwash flow rate during regeneration would bring water into the tank at a rate quicker than the tank could cope with.
In other words, “unprocessed waste water” would be discharged into a drainage field without being treated.
Based on agricultural studies of irrigation systems with high sodium content, this assumption has been made about sodium.

As a result of these beliefs, legislation was established in certain jurisdictions prohibiting the use of softened water in septic systems.
These organizations carried out extensive research to either validate or disprove their claims.

As a consequence of scientific testing, it has been demonstrated that the assumptions given above are incorrect in their entirety.

Researchers discovered that adding salt to the system improved the bacterial habitat by bringing it closer to the optimum range.

Second, the volume of backwash generated during regeneration did not interfere with the time required for bacterial treatment of effluent, as it was readily contained within the limits of the tank’s capability.

Concerns concerning soil absorption rates and salt concentrations were also alleviated.

Strangely enough, it had a beneficial effect on some soil conditions.

It has long been known that increasing the porosity of clay soils with gypsum, a high-calcium mineral, would be beneficial.

Obviously, this is fantastic news for anyone who has had to deal with discolored dishes or clothes, or who has had to deal with precipitate buildup in pipes as a result of hard water usage.

Homeowners may take use of all of the benefits of soft water without having to worry about it interfering with the effectiveness of their domestic sewage system.

How Water Softeners Effect Septic Systems Part 1

You want your water to be soft, and you want your septic system to be successful, and you don’t want to have to pick between the two! It’s likely that some people may tell you that this is impossible, but we’re here to dispel that myth. While there is a possibility that water softeners will have a detrimental affect on your septic system, there are septic-safe methods you can employ to ensure that you are utilizing a water softener safely in a home with a septic system, which we will discuss in further detail in next month’s article.

A worktener tank, which treats water as it enters the home, as well as a brine tank are included.
If you have hard water, the positively charged minerals in it (calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium) bond to the negatively charged resin in your water softener tank as it travels through the tank.

Water softeners regenerate their resin every few days by sucking brine (salt water) into the tank and performing the same ion exchange as before, but in reverse, to negatively charge the resin inside the softening tank.
It is the negatively charged brine that releases the now positively charged minerals from the resin, flushing them out of the system through the home’s plumbing, which is frequently into the septic tank, and into the environment.
In order to clean the resin in the softening tank during the regeneration process, the average water softener consumes between 50 and 150 gallons of brine solution every regeneration cycle.

Overloading of the system First and foremost, putting that much water into your septic tank is the equivalent of taking anywhere from three to nine showers in a row.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a water softener consumes an average of 25 gallons of water each day, amounting to more than 10,000 gallons per year.
Solids can be forced to either back up into the home or flow out to the drain field, where they can clog the pipes and cause the drain field to collapse if the system is overloaded.

Stay tuned!
Trust Your Septic Servicing Needs are in Good Hands with Got-A-Go!
We provide routine and emergency servicing for all makes and models of septic systems, regardless of their age or complexity.

Contact us now. Call us today at 859-282-7700 to set up an appointment for septic treatment work! Septic pumping and portable toilet rentals are available from Got-A-Go in Northern Kentucky. Source of the original content:

How Water Softeners Effect Septic Systems Part 2

The workings of water softeners were discussed last month, along with the fact that they can have a detrimental influence on your septic system by overloading it. Today, we’re going to talk about another way that septic systems may be negatively impacted, as well as a technique to avoid these difficulties with your septic system in the first place! The Negative Effects of Salt on Your Septic System Surplus water flushed into your septic tank has the potential to overload the system, but saltwater in particular is a big concern to your septic system since it offers two substantial threats.

This causes the saltwater from your softener to fall fast to the bottom of your septic tank, occasionally lifting the sludge and causing it to get suspended in the effluent within your tank.
Solids are allowed to settle to the bottom of a septic tank, allowing clean effluent to flow out to a drain field below.

Salt, on the other hand, is a naturally corrosive element.
This has the potential to dramatically reduce the life of your septic tank.
Because the majority of homes with septic systems also rely on private water wells to give water to the family, we recognize the need of removing minerals from the water supply of the residence.

This may be accomplished through the use of a storm drain or a downspout, both of which will divert softener brine away from your septic system.
If your water softener is currently discharging into your septic system, it is critical that you notify your septic system provider and take steps to reroute the softener brine as soon as possible after learning of the problem.
More than two decades have elapsed since we began working in the sanitation industry.

Contact us now. Call us today at 859-282-7700 to set up an appointment for septic treatment work! Septic pumping and portable toilet rentals are available from Got-A-Go in Northern Kentucky. Source of the original content:

Water Softeners and Septic Systems – What You Need to Know

Water softeners may appear to be a viable option for many Lancaster, Pennsylvania residents who want to assure the health and purity of their drinking water. Water softeners work by reducing the hardness of tap water by the use of salt, which creates an ion exchange in the water supply. The generation of the water may be gentler on your digestive system and more beneficial to your hair, but the repercussions of its manufacture can be detrimental to your septic system. Water softening introduces excessive levels of salt into the septic tank, which might interfere with the septic system’s process of soil dispersal, causing it to fail prematurely.

A water softener might overburden your tank and force impure hardened particles into the drainfield as a result of this action.

What Your Septic System Is and Does Solid waste sinks to the bottom of a septic tank, while scum rises to the surface of the tank.

Internally, microorganisms break down the sediments, but the tank eventually fills up and needs to be pumped to remove the waste.

It is possible that the use of a water softener will interfere with this settling process, causing solids and hardened particles to be pushed out into the drainfield, causing serious damage to the bacteria levels in your tank as well as the ability of your drainfield to properly filter waste from the outside.

When it comes to water use in your home, your shower and washing machine are the two greatest consumers, so try to spread out your water usage as much as possible.
Water softener backwash brine is commonly discharged into advanced wastewater treatment systems, and most manufacturers of advanced wastewater treatment systems include terms in their warranties stating that the guarantee would be voided if this happens.
It is a simple and affordable procedure that can help to prevent septic tank and treatment system failure while also ensuring that the warranty remains valid.
When it comes to your septic system, the phrase “out of sight, out of mind” is never a wise practice.

Make sure you don’t cut corners while installing a water softener or treatment system, and if you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We provide septic service in Central Pennsylvania on a 24-hour basis, and we are always delighted to assist you!

How Water Softeners Impact Septic Systems

When it comes to septic and water softener specialists, one of the most fiercely contested topics is whether or not water softeners have a detrimental influence on septic systems. The internet is awash with differing viewpoints on this subject, and we would be derelict if we didn’t attempt to put the record right on this one. Throughout this post, we’ll look at the possible detrimental impact that water softeners can have on your septic system. We’ll also discuss how to use a water softener safely in a home with a septic system, as well as some septic-safe habits to follow.

A basic water softening system consists of two components: a softener tank, which processes water as it enters the house, and a brine tank, which stores softened water.
If you have hard water, the positively charged minerals in it (calcium, magnesium, iron, and sodium) bond to the negatively charged resin in your water softener tank as it travels through the tank.
Water softeners regenerate their resin every few days by sucking brine (salt water) into the tank and performing the same ion exchange as before, but in reverse, to negatively charge the resin inside the softening tank.
It is the negatively charged brine that releases the now positively charged minerals from the resin, flushing them out of the system through the home’s plumbing, which is frequently into the septic tank, and into the environment.
In order to clean the resin in the softening tank during the regeneration process, the average water softener consumes between 50 and 150 gallons of brine solution every regeneration cycle.
Overloading of the system First and foremost, putting that much water into your septic tank is the equivalent of taking anywhere from three to nine showers in a row.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a water softener consumes an average of 25 gallons of water each day, amounting to more than 10,000 gallons per year.

Solids can be forced to either back up into the home or flow out to the drainfield, where they can clog the pipes and cause the drainfield to collapse if the system is overloaded.

Because salt water is substantially heavier than the fresh water that is generally flushed into the septic tank, it is the first thing to consider.

In reality, septic tanks that receive softener brine frequently do not have distinct layers of sludge, scum, and effluent as they do in other septic tanks.

As a result of the high concentration of salt brine from the water softener interfering with this process, particles may be allowed to flow out to the drainfield and cause failure by clogging the pipes.

The salt in the regeneration brine, just as it leads to erosion and spalling in concrete highways, driveways, and sidewalks, can also corrode your concrete septic tank, which is made of concrete.

Water softeners should be used with caution around septic systems.

Water softeners should be put outside of your home’s plumbing system so that they may discharge outside of your home’s plumbing system into the septic tank.

While you can benefit from softened water, you can prevent the detrimental influence that a water conditioner has on your septic system by installing an inline water softener.

Put Your Trust in Supeck for All of Your Septic Service Needs!

We provide routine and emergency servicing for all makes and models of septic systems, regardless of their age or complexity.

Contact us now. To book a septic service visit, please contact us right away! Articles that are related Tips for Septic System Owners on Water Conservation How Investing in Better Plumbing Fixtures Can Help You Extend the Life of Your Septic System Symptoms of a Failing Septic System

Water softener discharges do harm septic systems – And the problem is easy to solve

Mark Gross offers his thoughts on the subject. Contrary to popular belief, water softener backwash is a nuisance that affects not only septic tanks and drainfields, but even sophisticated treatment systems. Concentrated brine enters the wastewater stream as a slug of 38 to 112 gallons every backwash cycle when the water softener resin is backwashed twice or three times a week, depending on how often the resin is backwashed. As a result, there are two issues. One issue is that the septic tank discharges particles into the drainfield, which can cause the soil to block and the drainfield to collapse as a result of the solids.

This problem may be solved quickly and easily by routing the backwash brine straight into the drainage field.
Septic tanks were not employed in the NSF study; instead, complete-mix activated-sludge ATUs were used.
When the brine layer is reached, the salt water sinks to the bottom of the tank, and the fresh water floats on the surface of the brine.
Water softener brine-treated septic tanks have been shown to lack the characteristic layers of sludge, scum, and clear zone that are necessary for basic treatment.
The findings of that study and subsequent studies have revealed that water softener backwash brine can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on soil dispersion systems.
This was confirmed by laboratory testing.
Anaerobic digestion is inhibited by sodium concentrations more than 3500 mg/L.
Throughout history, salt has been utilized as a preservative and antiseptic by every civilization on the planet.
This assumption is supported by observation: a field investigation of 18 wastewater treatment systems in Virginia demonstrated unequivocally that nitrogen removal was impeded in systems that received water softener backwash brine (Figure 1).
Residents who wish to prevent this by diverting the backwash brine away from the septic tank are frequently informed that this will need the cutting of concrete footings and flooring, which will incur a cost in the thousands of dollars.
There are options for connecting a softener’s line directly to the distribution box or discharge basin.

Given the overwhelming body of evidence demonstrating the harmful effects of brine, as well as the ease with which these discharges can be kept out of septic systems, it makes sense for regulators to require that water softeners be installed in such a way that they do not cause problems for wastewater treatment systems to function properly.

employs Mark Gross, PhD, as a Training Manager in their training department.

He was formerly employed as a professor of civil engineering at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. He has more than 20 years of expertise in the subject of decentralized wastewater, having worked as a teacher, researcher, and designer in various capacities.

Caring for Your Septic System

It is important not to flush any sort of wipe down the toilet, regardless of whether the box specifically states that they are “flushable.” These objects have the potential to block your home’s plumbing, as well as the pipes in the street and the important machinery at the wastewater treatment facility. The water in which personal care wipes, dental floss, paper towels, and tissues are flushed does not dissolve them rapidly – or at all – therefore they are not safe to flush down the toilet. Personal care items, cleaning supplies, and other home garbage should be disposed of appropriately, either in the trash, the recycling bin, or at your local domestic hazardous waste disposal facility.

The term “septic system” refers to an individual wastewater treatment system (conventional septic systems, innovative/alternative (I/A) systems, or cesspools) that uses the soil to treat tiny wastewater flows, which are typically generated by a single residence.
Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations today.
In a normal septic system, there are three main components: the septic tank, a distribution box, and a drainfield, which are all connected by pipes known as conveyance lines.
Primary treatment is the term used to describe this separation procedure.
Flowing from the tank into a distribution box, which distributes the wastewater uniformly into a network of drainfield trenches, is how partially treated effluent is removed from the environment.
Once in the subsurface soil, this effluent is further cleaned and filtered before being released back into the environment (secondary treatment).

Additional Resources for What is a Septic System?

According to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, a properly maintained septic system should be pumped out at least once every three years! Regular maintenance is the most crucial factor in ensuring that your septic system is in good working order. Pumping on a regular basis helps to keep particles from leaking into the drainfield and blocking the soil pores. While the frequency of pumping depends on the amount of consumption, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection advises that systems be pumped at least once every three years for households without a trash disposal.

The frequency with which you pump should be determined by the amount of water that has accumulated and the amount of water that has been pumped in the past.
It is astounding how many system owners assume that if they have not experienced any difficulties with their systems, they do not need to pump out their tanks.
Solid materials sink to the bottom of the tank when your system is utilized, resulting in the formation of a sludge layer.
In most cases, correctly engineered tanks have adequate room to safely store sludge for up to three to five years at a time.
As the amount of sludge in the system rises, more solid wastes are allowed to escape into the soil absorption system (SAS).

When hiring a pumper, be certain that they are licensed by the local Board of Health, and always insist on receiving a paid receipt from the pumper that clearly outlines the terms of the transaction and the amount you paid (how many gallons were pumped out of the tank, the date, the charges, and any other pertinent results).

Keep a copy of this receipt as proof of purchase. In addition, a copy of this report is forwarded to the local Board of Health by the pumper.

Additional Resources for How often should I pump out my septic system?

It is recommended by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection that a well-maintained septic system be pumped out at least once every three years. In order to ensure that your septic system functions properly, it is essential that you do regular maintenance. Performing regular pumping helps to prevent particles from leaking into the drainfield and being trapped in soil pores. The frequency of pumping depends on the amount of consumption, but for households without a trash disposal, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection advises that systems be pumped at least once every three years. An annual flushing of the home’s plumbing system should be performed if the system has a trash disposal. The frequency with which you pump should be determined by the amount of water that has accumulated and how much has been pumped in the past. In many cases, you may use pumping intervals to determine your pumping schedule (e.g., did you wait too long before having your tank pumped and it was full to capacity, or could you have waited just a little longer to pump?) An astonishing amount of system owners believe that if they haven’t experienced any difficulties with their systems, they aren’t required to pump out their tanks at all. The truth is that this is a major and sometimes expensive mistake. Solid materials sink to the bottom of the tank when your system is used, resulting in the formation of a sludge layer at the bottom of the tank. In the septic tank, scum is formed when grease and other light things float to the surface. As a rule of thumb, correctly engineered tanks have enough area to safely store sludge for three to five years. Sludge buildup causes sewage to have less time to settle correctly before it is released from the tank when the sludge level exceeds this threshold. As the amount of sludge in the system rises, more solid wastes are allowed to escape into the soil (SAS). If the SAS becomes clogged to the point that it is unable to absorb liquid at the pace at which it is being introduced into the tank, the piping will “back up,” and filthy effluent will bubble to the top of the liquid. Whenever you hire a pumper, double-check that they are licensed by the local Board of Health, and always insist on receiving a paid receipt from the pumper that clearly outlines all of the terms of the agreement (how many gallons were pumped out of the tank, the date, the charges, and any other pertinent results). This receipt should be saved for your records. A copy of this report is forwarded to the local Board of Health by the pumper, as well.

Non-biodegradables (cigarette butts, diapers, feminine items, and so on) and grease should not be disposed of down the toilet or sink. The use of non-biodegradable materials can clog the pipes, and grease can thicken and block the pipes as well. Cooking oils, fats, and grease should be stored in a container and disposed of in the garbage
Paint thinner, polyurethane, antifreeze, insecticides, certain dyes, disinfectants, water softeners, and other harsh chemicals should all be added to the system to ensure that it works properly. Septic tank malfunctions can be caused by the death of the biological component of your septic system and the contamination of groundwater. Typical home cleaners, drain cleaners, and detergents, for example, will be diluted in the tank and should not do any damage to the system
And Make use of a garbage grinder or disposal that drains into the septic tank to eliminate waste. If you do have one in your home, you should use it only in extremely limited circumstances. The addition of food wastes or other solids lowers the capacity of your system and increases the frequency with which you must pump your septic tank. If you utilize a grinder, you will have to pump the system more frequently. Trees should be planted within 30 feet of your system, and vehicles should not be parked or driven over any part of the system Tree roots may block your pipes, and heavy cars may cause your drainfield to collapse
However, you can prevent this from happening. You should not allow anybody to work on your system or pump it without first ensuring that they are licensed system specialists
Wash an excessive number of loads of clothing in your washing machine. Doing load after load deprives your septic tank of the time it needs to properly process wastes and causes the entire system to become overwhelmed with surplus wastewater. As a result, you could be flooding your drain field without giving yourself enough time to recover from the flooding. To determine the gallon capacity and the number of loads per day that can be safely pumped into the system, you should consult with a tank professional. Cleaning the plumbing or septic system with chemical solvents is recommended. Microorganisms that consume harmful wastes will be killed by “miracle” chemicals that have been developed. These products have the potential to pollute groundwater as well.

Key Actions for Septic System Do’s and Don’ts

Septic systems that have been properly maintained can assist in preventing the spread of disease and other illnesses. System failures can have serious consequences.

Your failure to maintain your water system could pose a serious health hazard to your family and neighbors, degrade the environment, particularly lakes, streams and groundwater, reduce the value of your property while also being extremely expensive to repair
And put thousands of water supply users at risk if you live in a public water supply watershed and fail to maintain your system.

Keep an eye out for the following warning signals of a malfunctioning system:

Surface sewage over the drainfield (particularly after storms)
Sewage backups in the home
Lush, green vegetation over the drainfield sewage smells
Toilets or drains that are difficult to empty

If your system fails, the first thing you should do is call your local board of health, which must authorize all modifications and the majority of repairs before they can be carried out or installed. The board of health will inform you of the steps that must be taken. In the event that your system fails, call your local Board of Health immediately!