Septic systems can be commonly used by homes that are located in rural settings. However, if you have only recently purchased a home that has this type of system, it can be easy to be fairly uninformed about it, which can lead you to give credit to some potentially misleading notions. After you have these three septic system myths refuted you will be in a better position to avoid issues with these systems.
Myth: You Need To Regularly Use Additives For Your Septic System
In order to work, your septic tank needs to have a healthy population of bacteria. The bacteria will break down any solid organic materials that enter the tank. Unfortunately, some homeowners will assume that this means they should use additives to increase the bacteria population. While this may make logical sense, it is important to note that the septic tank is a carefully balanced ecosystem, and if the bacteria population gets too high, it can lead to it crashing due to there not being enough resources. As a result, you are typically advised to avoid the use of additives as the bacteria in the tank will naturally remain balanced.
Myth: The Rain Can Not Impact Your Septic System’s Performance
It can be easy for homeowners to overlook the impact that rain can have on their home’s septic system. This stems from the fact that the rain can saturate the soil around the drain field. When this occurs, it can be possible for the area of your yard around the drain field to flood, and you may notice that the drains in your home slow or start to backup. If you notice this problem, you may need to have the drain field enlarged as this will help to spread the water over a larger area, which can help to lessen the impact of rain on your system’s performance.
Myth: Having Your Septic System Pumped Will Always Require Having Your Yard Excavated
One of the most important maintenance tasks that you can do for your septic system is to make sure to have it professionally pumped every few years. This is necessary to remove any solid materials that have not decomposed, and failing to do this can result in the system becoming clogged. Unfortunately, some people may avoid this type of work for fear that it will result in large areas of the yard being excavated. Luckily, most modern septic systems are equipped with a hatch that is located close to the surface, which can help to minimize any digging that is needed to reach the septic tank to pump it.