Septic System

in Pa. most townships require by zoning laws that they need pumped every 3 years

Every 5 years is good.

Depends on # of people and tank size---

read on--

We have our own well and septic system. I upgraded our dishwasher to a Bosch, it uses a lot less water per cycle, and our washing machine to a front loader since they use a lot less water than a regular washing machine.

I was told not to use powered laundry soap, dump our grease into a can throw it away and I faithfully use rid ex everymonth. I got 7 years out of the pump and I guy who came and sucked me out, stated 3 years is the norm.

FWIW, read the second post..


http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/537682#ixzz1yO1pxTTL

Bottom line,

If your tank is working properly, chemicals are a waste of money.

If your tank isn't working properly, chemicals won't fix it.

3 years on pumping is a safe number.

Since I have a 1500 gallon tank and heading for an empty nest, I plan to pump every 5 years.

Cap...The sludge should be floating on top, not on the bottom. Don't use ridex, ever.

Well guys I am doing my homework on this issue. As some of you know I just installed a basement. After it went in I had water leaking in by my septic tank. I thought it was a broken pipe. I dug up the tank to run a new line to the tank input. Guess what, no broken pipe. My leach field is toast, lucky me.

The additives are bad, I also learned that a water conditioner discharge can also be bad. However I read one report that said it may not be and could really be good. I don't know what to believe at this point..

Anyway see this file..

steamup wrote:Bottom line,

If your tank is working properly, chemicals are a waste of money.

If your tank isn't working properly, chemicals won't fix it.

3 years on pumping is a safe number.

Since I have a 1500 gallon tank and heading for an empty nest, I plan to pump every 5 years.

I'm putting in a 1500 gallon tank, I live alone and from what I learned the pump out for me should be done every 19 years. I have a 300 gallon tank now and pumped it yesterday after six years, I could have gone another six or longer, but I do travel for a living..

See the chart.. http://inspectapedia.com/septic/tankpump.htm

coalkirk wrote:Cap...The sludge should be floating on top, not on the bottom. Don't use ridex, ever.

No Sludge sits on the bottom, scum floats on top. But I bet that's what you meant..

Grease floats, sludge, depending upon it's specific gravity, will sink or float.

My system is all new and my installing contractor also maintains (pumps) the systems he installs.

He has an interesting system for pumping out septic tanks, his pumping truck has two tanks. Upon arrival at the site they pump out all the affluent in the middle of the tank that contains the working bacteria into the truck, this is the working liquid between the floating material at the top and he sinking material at the bottom. Then they pump out the sinking/floating materials into another holding tank and then pump the middle affluent back into the tank. Overall the disposal cost is lower (this is passed on to the customer) because they have less material to take to the disposal processing station.

Mine was pumped for the first time in 10 years a couple years back. Everything was good.

My grandfather built a septic tank out of cinder blocks in the late 30's. Raised 4 kids there, and in '94 he passed. Tank was NEVER cleaned once. Although I recall walking back there and asking my father why the ground was so mushy over in the corner.

Someone else's problem now - the state seized the house to pay the nursing home.

Damn, I might have a problem---all my dumps sink. Processing stations???? that's why we've got corn fields.

dll wrote:Grease floats, sludge, depending upon it's specific gravity, will sink or float.

My system is all new and my installing contractor also maintains (pumps) the systems he installs.

He has an interesting system for pumping out septic tanks, his pumping truck has two tanks. Upon arrival at the site they pump out all the affluent in the middle of the tank that contains the working bacteria into the truck, this is the working liquid between the floating material at the top and he sinking material at the bottom. Then they pump out the sinking/floating materials into another holding tank and then pump the middle affluent back into the tank. Overall the disposal cost is lower (this is passed on to the customer) because they have less material to take to the disposal processing station.

Note to self -- don't eat Freetown corn.

water treatment with salt is bad. My brothers tank froze on the surface and plugged the input and output. The salt killed the bacteria. Even if you live where it is not that cold, the salt inhibits the bacteria depending on how much your system uses.

Kevin

I went 20 years and my tank was fine. Started with 2 adults and 2 kids. Back to that as my son and family have moved in. No gray water in the tank however.