How About Cabbage Down The Septic Tank? (Solved)

An old cabbage or sauerkraut in the toilet flushed to the septic tank will revitalize the microbes there who are then more able to eat all the ‘bad‘ particles, thus cleaning THE TANK TO PREVENT IT FROM GETTING CLOGGED UP.

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Answer: I have never heard the onion or cabbage story in regard to affecting the bacterial action in a septic tank. I can’t imagine what impact either cabbage or onions might have. Any raw vegetables will not break down completely and so will accumulate more solids in the septic tank.

What should you avoid with a septic tank?

You should not put these items into your commode:

Cat litter.
Coffee grounds.

Cigarette butts.
Dental floss.
Disposable diapers.

Earplugs.
Sanitary napkins or tampons.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

How can I increase bacteria in my septic tank naturally?

Homemade Septic Tank Treatment The ingredients required for this natural solution are the following: Water, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Dry Yeast. To concoct this mixture, first start by boiling roughly a half gallon of water. Add in 2 cups of sugar. The sugar will act as the first food your bacteria will eat!

Is sauerkraut good for septic systems?

For your gut to be healthy, it requires a healthy gut microbiome. A less diverse and less balanced microbiome in your gut can harm your health. For this reason, it’s important to drink things like kombucha or eat items such as sauerkraut, yogurt, and garlic.

How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?

Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.

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!

How do you know if your septic 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 do I keep my septic tank healthy?

Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system

Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
Pump your septic tank as needed.

Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
Be water-wise.
Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.

Landscape with love.
Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

What to put in septic tank to break down solids?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?

How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping

Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.

Break up any compacted sludge.
Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
Maintain the aeration system.

Add additional Microbes as required.

Is Buttermilk good for septic tanks?

Spoiled buttermilk is one of the best ways to provide your septic tank with the bacteria that is needed to break down the waste in the tank. You can put a liter of spoiled buttermilk in the toilet and flush it down. This is one of the most effective methods for septic tank cleaning for residential areas.

Is cabbage good for a septic tank?

An old cabbage or sauerkraut in the toilet flushed to the septic tank will revitalize the microbes there who are then more able to eat all the ‘bad ‘ particles, thus cleaning THE TANK TO PREVENT IT FROM GETTING CLOGGED UP.

What breaks down sewage in a septic tank?

The septic tank has microbes, especially bacteria, which break down and liquefy the organic waste. In phase one, the wastewater is introduced into the septic system where solids settle down to form the sludge and scum layers as the anaerobic bacteria digest the organic waste.

Can you put a dead chicken in a septic tank?

Neglecting septic tank pumping can lead eventually to a failed leach field. Septic tanks came into being around 1860, so it makes sense that they have some urban myths floating around them. But no matter what you hear, you should never add a dead chicken to your septic tank.

septic tank enzymes

In the book “1001 secret household formulasmoney saving tips” that my mother recently gave me, it says to flush the toilet with warm water, yeast, and baking soda to keep healthy bacteria flowing. Sullen agreed. Isn’t it the question that was posed? Having all of you negos shout at individuals when they ask questions on this board has gotten to be too much for me. (Or know-it-alls, as the case may be.) Okay, that’s fine. However, how does this assist in resolving the issue of a flooded septic system that is causing water to back up into the house?

It’s true that baking soda may alter pH levels if used in sufficient quantities.

It may be able to alleviate some of the odors in the drain that you put it in.

So, what exactly is the benefit of that household suggestion?

In no way, shape, or form.
This individual has an issue, and he or she has inquired about it.
Hard to accomplish at times, and much more difficult to inquire about topics we don’t understand – it’s difficult to determine what information is critical to solving the problem, or where the problem is located in the first place.

Not a bunch of pointless advice that isn’t going to assist.
It is not intended to be used in this manner.
For me, I’d rather have true, honest answers to my queries – even if it turns out that my query was completely incorrect.

Hopefully, the person who is asking these questions understands as well as you do.
It goes without saying that a knowledgeable local septic installation can perform a _significantly_ better job diagnosing these problems.
It’s admirable that individuals are attempting to find out how things operate for themselves, and God bless the ones who take the time to try to assist, whether they are blinded by distance or a lack of information.

Your message was the only one that I received that was critical of the site. JMHO, and we can all have our own points of view, no problem. – Paul et al.

Maintain Your Septic System Naturally

On December 5, 2020, the information was updated. However, while this isn’t an enjoyable topic for polite discussion, having your septic system back up into your home is far from pleasant. There are actions that you can do to not only avoid septic issues in the future, but also to guarantee that the process of breaking down flushed waste proceeds as it should.

A Well-Functioning Septic System

The title of this article may be “The Care and Maintenance of the Gut in Your Yard,” which would be more descriptive. Understanding the necessity and advantages of eating dietary fiber, alkaline-forming foods, and taking probiotics for your own gut health will help you recognize the similarities between keeping a healthy septic system and maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are some items that you should avoid putting into any septic system, just as there are certain substances that are favorable to putting into our own digestive systems.

If you wait until there is a problem, you have waited too long and should contact a septic cleaning firm to pump your tank immediately.

Septic System Care and Maintenance Tips:

A family of four living in a house with a 1,000-gallon tank should have their septic system cleaned every four years, according to the EPA. Inquire with your local septic cleaning firm about how frequently you should contact them
Avoid using bleach-containing solutions to clean your toilets since it kills the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of waste particles in your septic system. Try this all-natural toilet cleanser
It works great.

When you add yeast to your septic system, it helps to aggressively break down waste particles, which is beneficial. Using the first time, flush a 12-cup package of dried baking yeast down the toilet. After the initial addition, add 14 cup of instant yeast every 4 months for the next 4 months. For those who are planning to install or have their existing septic system pumped, it’s a good idea to know precisely where it is in your yard so that you don’t have to dig up a lot of your lawn when the system is pumped in the future. With a tape measure, measure the precise distance between the septic tank lid and the home, and then snap a photo of the exact distance with your mobile phone to prove you were accurate. Maintain a copy of the snapshot in a home maintenance file on your computer for future reference.

Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living and healthy lifestyle writer who has written seven non-fiction books, including Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. She lives in Hawaii with her family. Since 2004, she has contributed to the Farmers’ Almanac as a writer.

Keep Exploring

Septic tank systems are notoriously difficult to maintain and may be quite expensive when they fail. Over the course of almost two decades, we’ve only had to pump our septic tank once. Here’s how we maintain our system running smoothly: DIY Septic Tank Treatment

Natural Enzyme Action

Septic tanks, like your stomach, require the presence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in order to break down the particles that travel through them. It is possible to obtain these helpful bacteria and enzymes from a variety of sources, but one of our favorites is rotting tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins known as Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes, and they break down pectin. Lipase, hydrolyzes, and lyase are all members of the pectinase family of enzymes that are capable of breaking down pectin and plant cell walls in the natural environment, therefore aiding in the decomposition and recycling of waste plant materials.

DIY Septic Tank Treatment

It is simple and inexpensive to treat a septic tank with DIY solutions. We “feed” our septic tank 3-4 rotting tomatoes every 3 months or so, which we do through our garbage disposal. The idea is to make sure that you split up the tomato and pass only half a tomato or so at a time through the water while it is running to ensure that it is properly flushed out. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal, you may throw two or three large rotting tomatoes in a bag (chances are they’re already packed away in a bag in your refrigerator and starting to liquefy anyway!).

Dump them into a toilet (but don’t use bleach!) and flush them away.

Normally, having rotten tomatoes every few months isn’t a big deal because the garden overproduces in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are always a few extras available.

However, during the winter months, tomatoes have gotten pushed to the back of the fridge and started to liquefy before I realized what was happening. At the very least, they aren’t going to waste completely.

Toilet Paper No-No’s

When we had our septic system pumped for the first time in more than two decades, we were assured that it was totally unnecessary because the system was operating well and looked fantastic. During our conversation, the gentleman shared numerous true horror stories of systems he’d witnessed at his place of employment where the families utilized “fluffy” toilet paper. That one where the cute little bears in the advertisements are pleased of themselves for not having any lint left behind? You know the one I’m talking about.

Image courtesy of Ian Haycoxis (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

He especially inquired about the brand of tissue we use, which is Scott Tissue.

Alternatively, if you don’t happen to have any rotting tomatoes on hand, you may use baking or brewing yeast to bring healthy bacteria to your tank as an alternative.

How to Clean Septic Tank Naturally

Yeast and sugar are excellent natural septic tank cleaners, and here’s an easy method for using them.

Septic Tank Cleaner

2 cups granulated sugar 5 cups of hot water (optional) 3 tbsp. active dry yeast Sugar and yeast should be dissolved in water. Pour the mixture into a toilet (that does not contain bleach!) and flush it. This is best done at night so that the yeast may continue to work throughout the night; do not flush for at least 3 hours after completion.

Additional Tips:

1Avoid flushing raw or cooked meat down the toilet, down the garbage disposal, or any other form of introducing meat into your septic system; meat is NEVER a helpful bacterium. 2. Never add oils, grease, or fat in any form (solid or liquid) to your tank. This includes, but is not limited to, cooking oils, bacon grease, meat grease from draining ground beef/turkey, and other fat-containing foods. 3Avoid flushing anything other than garbage and toilet paper down the toilet; this means that feminine products should be disposed of in the trash, baby diapers and wipes should be disposed of in the trashcan, and so on.

Have you tried the rotten tomato technique yet?

Love this DIY Septic Tank Treatment Idea? Pin it!

Inquiry:We are in the process of acquiring a house that has a new 1,500-gallon septic tank. Our inspector provided us with an overview of septic tanks as part of the house inspection process. He correctly advises us not to use our waste disposer for anything more than extremely light labor when it comes to cleaning up after ourselves. However, he went on to emphasise that onions and cabbage should never be thrown down the garbage disposal since it will (somehow) affect the ecosystem of the septic system.

Do you have any thoughts on this?
As an aside, I’ve never heard of the onion or cabbage narrative in relation to how they might interfere with bacterial activities in a septic tank before.
Any raw vegetables will not completely decompose, resulting in an increase in the amount of solids in the septic system.

We recently relocated to a new home that had a garbage disposal.
The service technician who arrived to clear up the disposer and waste pipes underlined that cabbage should not be placed in the disposer.
So, yes, I am aware that onions and cabbage may clog a waste disposal system.

Grinding bones or other items that will not degrade with bacterial activity will also add solids to the septic tank sludge layer, which will further clog the system.
“Do not dump anything into the septic tank until you have eaten it first!” was the lesson we used to deliver at our Onsite Sewage Treatment Workshops in Minnesota.
Due to the fact that organic materials have not been processed by the human digestive system, they do not disintegrate as quickly in the septic tank.

The importance of this is magnified when a waste disposer is being utilized.

The installation of an outlet filter is currently required by several onsite codes in relation to septic tanks.DIVERTER VALVEIn response to your inquiry about the usage of a diverter valve, I would presume that the valve has been placed to utilize just half of the drainfield, with the other half remaining unoccupied.

The designer and/or installer of your onsite wastewater treatment system should have made recommendations on how to use the diverter valve in your system.

Your inspector may also have some advice on how to operate the diverter valve.
If the drainfield includes trenches and there is an inspection pipe at the end of each drainfield trench line, a pumping specialist will be able to evaluate how much of the drainfield is being utilized in a short period of time.
It would be a good idea to check the effluent level in each trench at least once to ensure that effluent was reaching the end of each trench.

The portion of the drainfield that is no longer receiving effluent from the septic tank will dry out and allow oxygen to enter through the soil pores.
In most cases, if the drainfield is allowed to rest for a reasonable amount of time, it will regain most or all of its initial treatment capacity.

The same approach should be followed with the other half of the drainfield that is now in use. Once a time period or frequency for switching the diverter valve has been established, it should not be necessary to utilize the inspection pipes on a regular basis.

How to Reduce Septic Tank Odor

Septic tanks that are properly maintained should be odor-free, therefore if you notice an unpleasant smell inside your house or outdoors near the leach field, this is a clue that there is a problem. A bad odor, on the other hand, does not always indicate that the septic tank needs to be flushed. Several gases, including carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and methane, accumulate in the septic system and generate smells. Not only may they be irritating, but a high enough concentration of these gases can be poisonous or even explosive if present in sufficient quantities.

Septic Odors Inside the Home

A septic stench in your house is typically indicative of a plumbing problem, but not all plumbing problems necessitate the hiring of a plumber.

Because the floor drain trap in your basement may have dried out, septic tank gases may have been leaking back into the home and into your living space. Drain traps should be refilled with water on a regular basis to solve the problem. It is possible that the cleanout access plug, which is positioned within the drain, has become loose, enabling sewer gas to seep. Obtain the services of a qualified plumber to clean the pipe and inspect the clog. It is possible that the plumbing vent on the roof is clogged or obstructed. As wastewater passes through the drain pipes, the vent helps to equalize the pressure in the pipes. If your bathtub, sinks, and toilets are gurgling, this might be the source of the problem. If the vent has only recently become frozen shut, it will melt as the temperature rises in the room. If, on the other hand, leaves, a bird’s nest, or any other material is obstructing the vent, it will need to be cleaned out completely. Always use caution when climbing up to the roof to avoid falling off the edge. It is possible that the ejector sump pump basket is not securely sealed. To avoid additional leaks, inspect the lid and replace any damaged seals. If the stench is most evident in the bathroom, it may simply be the result of a dried out toilet wax seal. Simply remove the toilet and replace the wax ring with a new one. The toilet flange does not have to be elevated above the ceramic tile floor in order for two seals to be stacked on top of each other. A hole or leak in a plumbing junction, drain line, or under a sink is a less probable source of the problem.

Odor Near the Septic Tank Outside the Home

It’s usual to notice a faint odor near the septic tank every now and again, but a strong odor might indicate a leak from the manhole.

To make certain that the risers and manholes are securely covered, inspect them. In most cases, the tank manhole cover is made of concrete, but it may alternatively be made of metal or plastic as well. It is possible to have a septic tank manhole hidden under as much as a foot of dirt, except in the case of tanks equipped with sump pumps, which must be visible at ground level in order for the pump to be maintained or replaced. A rubber seal will be installed on the inside of a plastic manhole cover to keep smells contained within the tank. In addition, fasteners such as lag screws are used to secure the lid. It is possible to temporarily seal a concrete manhole lid with weather stripping to keep the smells contained until the tank can be restored. After the tank has been maintained, it will be necessary to replace the permanent seal.

Leach Field Odors

It is necessary to have a soil treatment area, also known as a leach field, in order to properly treat sewage. There should not be a strong sulfur smell in the soil treatment area unless there is an issue.

Make certain that your septic system pipes are not crushed or cracked by having them examined. A skilled plumber should inspect your pipes for roots that are growing into them and causing obstructions. Carry out a visual assessment of the leach field to search for patches of soggy or damp soil, which may indicate that sewage is rising to the surface of the earth. However, regardless of the reason, leaking sewage is regarded to be a serious hazard to the health of both animals and people, and as such, the problem should be addressed as soon as possible by an experienced plumber.

Odor in Other Areas Outside your Home

If you’re experiencing a general sewage or septic smell in your yard or outdoor spaces, it’s possible that the plumbing vent pipe isn’t long enough to completely diffuse the smells.

If your property is situated in a low-lying location, a valley, or is bordered by a dense forest, it is possible that there will be insufficient breeze to disperse the scents away from your outdoor living space. Having a plumber expand the plumbing vent pipe might assist in improved odor diffusion due to the wind. Install a carbon filter at the top of the plumbing vent to help decrease the smell of septic waste. The filters will need to be replaced about every 1–5 years in order to maintain their optimal efficacy.

Odors Caused by Improper Tank Chemistry

Throughout the septic tank, bacteria are hard at work breaking down waste materials. The pH level must be kept between 6.8 and 7.6 in order for these bacteria to thrive and perform their functions. If the solution becomes too acidic, a strong hydrogen sulfide gas odor (similar to that of rotten eggs) might begin to emerge.

Never flush non-organic waste down the toilet, such as cigarette butts, feminine hygiene products, or trash
Instead, use the garbage disposal. Pouring fats, oils, coffee grinds, cleaning products, paints, or other chemicals down your sink or tub drains is not recommended. – These can interfere with the breakdown of sewage inside the tank, resulting in a bad odor. It is recommended that you add a cup of baking soda to a sink drain or toilet once a week to assist maintain the proper pH level in the septic tank

A professional plumbing business, such as Bailey Brothers, should clean out your septic tank every three to five years to maintain it odor-free and functioning correctly.

Septic Tank Everything that goes down any of the drains in the house

Septic TankEverything that goes down any of the drains in the house (toilets, showers, sinks, laundry machines) travels first to the septic tank. The septic tank is a large-volume, watertight tank which provides initial treatment of the household wastewater by intercepting solids and settleable organic matterbefore disposal of the wastewater (effluent) to the drainfield.Function of the Septic TankHow Long Liquids Must Remain In TankSolids StorageAnaerobic DecompositionFlow Into And Out Of The TankEffluent FilterFlow BufferingMicrobes in Septic Tanks Digest, Dissolve, and Gasify Complex Organic Wastes.FUNCTION OF THE SEPTIC TANK While relatively simple in construction and operation, the septic tank provides a number of important functions through a complex interaction of physical and biological processes. The essential functions of the septic tank are to: receive all wastewater from the house separate solids from the wastewater flow cause reduction and decomposition of accumulated solids provide storage for the separated solids (sludge and scum) pass the clarified wastewater (effluent) out to the drain field for final treatment and disposal.Primary TreatmentAs stated, the main function of the septic tank is to remove solids from thewastewater and provide a clarified effluent for disposal to the drain field.The septic tank provides a relatively quiescent body of water where thewastewater is retained long enough to let the solids separate by bothsettling and flotation. This process is often called primary treatment andresults in three products: scum, sludge, and effluent.Scum: Substances lighter than water (oil, grease, fats) float to the top,where they form a scum layer. This scum layer floats on top of the watersurface in the tank. Aerobic bacteria work at digesting floating solids.Sludge: The “sinkable” solids (soil, grit, bones, unconsumed food particles)settle to the bottom of the tank and form a sludge layer. The sludge isdenser than water and fluid in nature, so it forms a flat layer along thetank bottom. Underwater anaerobic bacteria consume organic materials in thesludge, giving off gases in the process and then, as they die off, becomepart of the sludge.Effluent: Effluent is the clarified wastewater left over after the scum hasfloated to the top and the sludge has settled to the bottom. It is theclarified liquid between scum and sludge. It flows through the septic tankoutlet into the drain field.Back to listingsHOW LONG LIQUIDS MUST REMAIN IN TANK Effective volume: The floating scum layer on top and the sludge layer on thebottom take up a certain amount of the total volume in the tank. Theeffective volume is the liquid volume in the clear space between the scumand sludge layers. This is where the active solids separation occurs as thewastewater sits in the tank.Retention time: In order for adequate separation of solids to occur, thewastewater needs to sit long enough in the quiescent conditions of the tank.The time the water spends in the tank, on its way from inlet to outlet, isknown as the retention time. The retention time is a function of theeffective volume and the daily household wastewater flow rate:Retention Time (days) = Effective Volume (gallons)/Flow Rate (gallons per day)A common design rule is for a tank to provide a minimum retention time ofat least 24 hours, during which one-half to two-thirds of the tank volume istaken up by sludge and scum storage. Note that this is a minimum retentiontime, under conditions with a lot of accumulated solids in the tank. Underordinary conditions (i.e., with routine maintenance pumping) a tank shouldbe able to provide two to three days of retention time.As sludge and scum accumulate and take up more volume in the tank, theeffective volume is gradually reduced, which results in a reduced retentiontime. If this process continues unchecked-if the accumulated solids are notcleaned out (pumped) often enough-wastewater will not spend enough time inthe tank for adequate separation of solids, and solids may flow out of thetank with the effluent into the drain field. This can result in clogged pipesand gravel in the drain field, one of the most common causes of septic systemfailure.Back to listingsSOLIDS STORAGE In order to avoid frequent removal of accumulated solids, the septic tank is(hopefully) designed with ample volume so that sludge and scum can be storedin the tank for an extended period of time. A general design rule is thatone-half to two-thirds of the tank volume is reserved for sludge and scumaccumulation. A properly designed and used septic system should have thecapacity to store solids for about five years or more. However, the rate ofsolids accumulation varies greatly from one household to another, and actualstorage time can only be determined by routine septic tank inspections.Back to listingsANAEROBIC DECOMPOSITION While fresh solids are continually added to the scum and sludge layers,anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen) consume the organicmaterial in the solids. The by-products of this decomposition are solublecompounds, which are carried away in the liquid effluent, and various gases,which are vented out of the tank via the inlet pipe that ties into the houseplumbing air vent system.Anaerobic decomposition results in a slow reduction of the volume ofaccumulated solids in the septic tank. This occurs primarily in the sludgelayer but also, to a lesser degree, in the scum layer. The volume of thesludge layer is also reduced by compaction of the older, underlyingsludge. While a certain amount of volume reduction occurs over time, sludgeand scum layers gradually build up in the tank and eventually must be pumpedout.Back to listingsFLOW INTO AND OUT OF THE TANK The inlet and outlet ports of the tank are generally equipped with devicessuch as baffles, concrete tees, or in more recent years, sanitary tees(T-shaped pipes with one short and one long leg).InletsThe inlet device dissipates the energy of the incoming flow and deflects itdownwards. The vertical leg of the tee extends below the liquid surface wellinto the clear space below the scum layer. This prevents disturbance of thefloating scum layer and reduces disruptive turbulence caused by incomingflows. The inlet device also is supposed to prevent short-circuiting offlows across the water surface directly to the outlet.The upper leg of the inlet should extend well above the liquid surface inorder to prevent floating scum from backing up into, and possibly plugging,the main inlet pipe. The open top of the inlet tee allows venting of gasesout of the tank through the inlet pipe and fresh air vents of the householdplumbing.OutletsThe outlet device is designed to retain the scum layer within the tank. Asanitary tee can be used with the lower leg extending below the scum layer.The elevation of the outlet port should be 2 to 3 inches below the elevationof the inlet port. This prevents backwater and stranding of solids in themain inlet pipe during momentary rises in the tank liquid level caused bysurges of incoming wastewater.Typical inlet/outlet teesGas Deflection BaffleGases are produced by the natural digestion of sludge at the bottom of thetank, and particles of sludge can be carried upward by these rising gases.Some tanks have a gas deflection baffle, which prevents gas bubbles (towhich solid particles often adhere) from leaving the tank by deflecting themaway from the outlet and preventing them from entering the drain field.Back to listingsTHE EFFLUENT FILTER In newer systems, there is often an effluent filter: one of the significantimprovements in septic tank design in decades. They range from 4 to 18inches in diameter. As we have described, the most serious problem withseptic systems is the migration of solids, grease, or oil into thedrain field, and the filter is effective in preventing this.A filter restricts and limits passage of suspended solids into the effluent.Solids in a filtered system’s effluent discharge are significantly less thanthose produced in a non-screened system.Back to listingsFLOW BUFFERING The septic tank also provides a buffering of flows between the house and thedrain field. Large surges from the household, such as toilet flushing orwashing machine drainage, are dampened by the septic tank so that the flowsleaving the tank and entering the drain field are at substantially lower flowrates and extend over a longer period of time than the incoming surges.Back to listingsMICROBES IN SEPTIC TANKS DIGEST, DISSOLVE, AND GASIFY COMPLEX ORGANIC WASTES In 1907, W. P. Dunbar conducted tests on the decomposition of vegetable andanimal matter in septic tanks. He stated, “The author has investigated thesubject by suspending in septic tanks a large number of solid organicsubstances, such as cooked vegetables, cabbages, turnips, potatoes, peas,beans, bread, various forms of cellulose, flesh in the form of dead bodiesof animals, skinned and unskinned, various kinds of fat, bones, cartilage,etc., and has shown that many of these substances are almost completelydissolved in from three to four weeks. They first presented a swollenappearance, and increased in weight. The turnips had holes on the surface,which gradually became deeper. The edges of the cabbage leaves looked asthough they had been bitten, and similar signs of decomposition were visiblein the case of other substances. Of the skinned animals, the skeleton aloneremained after a short time; with the unskinned animals the process lastedrather longer. At this stage I will only point out that the experiments wereso arranged that no portion of the substances could be washed away; theirdisappearance was therefore due to solution and gasification.”Back to listings

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

Prior to discharging wastewater into the environment, several alternative systems are designed to evaporate or disinfect the effluent.

Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

A septic tank is where all of the water drains from your home through a single main drainage line. An underground, watertight container, often built of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its role is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to settle to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. It is also known as a settling tank. T-shaped outlets and compartments prevent sludge and scum from exiting the tank and migrating into the drainfield region.

An excavation built in unsaturated soil, the drainfield is shallow and covered.

As wastewater percolates through the soil and eventually discharges into groundwater, the soil takes, processes, and disperses it.
Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.
As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of contamination.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:

Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:

Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses

It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
Conserve water
Dispose of waste properly

And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Make frequent inspections and pumps; save water; dispose of waste in a proper manner; and keep your drainfield in good condition.

The size of the household

The total amount of wastewater produced
The amount of solids present in wastewater
The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

Cooking grease or oil

Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
Photographic solutions
Feminine hygiene items Condoms

Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Cooking grease or oil; nonflushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes; photographic solutions; feminine hygiene products; and other substances. Condoms; Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners;

Think at the sink!

Cooking grease or oil; non-flushable wipes, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes; photographic solutions; feminine hygiene products; Condoms; Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals and household chemicals such as fuel, oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners;

If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Help! My Shower Drain Smells Like Cabbage!

Hello.hello there, fellas.? My shower drain has an unusual odor. Everything’s like, everything is musty and nasty, and it smells strongly of cabbage. Isn’t it true that it’s not intended to smell like that? Is it possible for someone to tell me why my shower drain smells musty.and like cabbage.or rotten eggs.or sulfur. or sewage.? It isn’t intended to smell like anything at all! That’s disgusting!

Actually Dude, That’s Growth

Hello.hello there, fellas. I have a strange odor coming from my shower drainage. Everything is musty and disgusting, and it has a cabbage-like odor to it, for example.

After all, that’s not how things should smell, right? What is causing the musty, cabbage-like stench in my shower drain? Is it rotting eggs, sulfur, or sewage, perhaps? It isn’t intended to smell like anything at all. Oh, my God, that’s disgusting!

The following ingredients: boiling water, baking soda, white distilled vinegar, and an old toothbrush

Water and baking soda should be mixed together to produce a paste before proceeding. Apply the paste to the shower drain and the affected region with a toothbrush to ensure thorough coverage. Wait five minutes, then thoroughly scour the drain with a stiff brush. Then gently pour the boiling water down the drain to wash away any remaining residue. FINISHING UP Follow this up with a cup of vinegar, followed by a half cup of baking soda, all done slowly and carefully. Wait an hour, and then pour boiling water down the drain one final time to flush it out.

If the odor is still there, repeat the inspection.

Problem A: Biofilm Buildup

Determine whether or not your shower has a sluggish draining time. If this is the case, it may be due to a biofilm accumulation within your drain, which is a sticky deposit of bacteria and decaying debris that can clog your drain. You’ll need to get rid of it with the help of the following items:

Fill a large pot halfway with boiling water and add baking soda and white vinegar.

Using a slow, steady stream, pour about five cups of boiling water down the drain to remove the biofilm after removing the drain cover. Pour one cup of vinegar, followed by half a cup of baking soda, down the drain as quickly and slowly as possible. Let it sit for two hours before pouring more hot water down the drain. Remove any remaining biofilm from the drain by using the drain brush.

Problem B: You’re Smelling Sewer Gasses

If your shower does not drain slowly, it is possible that you are inhaling sewer fumes. This odor is not harmful to inhale but it is quite unpleasant and serves as a clear indication that your sewage system is experiencing drainage problems. In most cases, these problems are the result of one of three factors. Essentially, a P-Trap is a curved or bent pipe with an exaggerated curve or bend that traps water in a restricted region, preventing sewer gasses from escaping through the pipe. When there is no water in the P-trap to function as a barrier, the sewage gasses have a clear path to escape through any hole in the vicinity.

For those of you who are coping with an overly odorous shower drain, give Plumbing Solutions a call right now.

Any of these odorous problems may be resolved with our assistance; simply contact us.

Dead Garbage Disposer.Need Recommendations

Finally, our garbage disposal succumbed to the elements. It was dripping all over the place. Can somebody provide me some options for a suitable replacement? The following are SWMBO’s top priorities: a. The capacity to rapidly reduce anything – including steel cable – to a fine powder without the material being clogged. 2.There must be complete silence. Silence is deafening. My top priorities are as follows:1. Reasonably priced. 2.I’d like it if it installed itself, or at the very least came with a voucher for a discount at the neurosurgeon’s office (for the inevitable back injury).

Sam/Atlanta Sponsored by GoogleGoogle Sponsored by Sam, This past weekend, I’ve been there and done that.

A one-year warranty is provided.

It works, is far quieter than the old unit, and does not leak.

Wishing you the best of luck.

Check the wires with a volt meter simply to be sure they are not faulty.

A Sink Erator, on the other hand, is an excellent choice if you’re looking to replace your current sitzee grinder with another one.

The reason for doing so twice a year is that it helps your septic system enzymes to function properly.

I typically find it far simpler to admit when I’m wrong than it is to attempt to be flawless all of the time.

To access the site, simply close the pop-up window on the right side of the screen.

According to what I’ve heard, InSinkErator is the gold standard by which all other sinks are assessed.

I’m connected to the city sewer system, so I don’t have to worry about a septic system.

On ours, the splash guard, which is the rubber piece through which you press the food, is easily replaceable.

The problem is that it makes the opening a little smaller, which means that items don’t fit through as well as they should.

Please think about becoming a contributing member of Sawmill Creek Association. Because the costs are modest, and the benefits are substantial, Donate, John, and then grab a pair of scissors and make the hole a little bigger. That’s what I had to do on mine in order to get the water to run freely.