A septic system is a critical and sizable investment in your Chappaqua, NY, home and property, so protecting the system by using caution about what you flush can keep you from needing costly repairs. Here are some ways you can protect your septic system to maintain a smooth-running process.
How a Septic System Works
For homeowners who have no access to municipal sewage for waste removal, the septic system is the answer. Efficient and eco-friendly, the septic system works using only gravity to keep the waste flowing from your home into an airtight container.
When you flush the toilet or pour something down the drain, the contents flow through the pipes from your house and into the septic tank. Then, it separates into three layers. The solids fall to the bottom where beneficial microorganisms decompose them. The middle layers is the liquids and water that flows out of a pipe and to a drain field where it filters back into the earth. Along the way, the tiny impurities and pollution are left in the dirt and the water seeps back to the water table. The top layer is grease and oil that does not decompose and simply floats there until it is cleaned out by a professional.
There is no power in a septic system, only the force of gravity that moves the waste where it needs to go.
How to Protect Your Septic Installation
The best way to protect your septic system is to be careful about what you flush down the drains. Here are some things not to flush:
Feminine products: These products do not decompose once they reach the septic tank. Because they absorb water, they are more likely to cause clogs and poor drainage of the septic contents. Instead, throw them away.
Baby products: Baby diapers and wipes should not be flushed down the septic system through the toilet. They are similar to feminine products as they absorb water and do not decompose. Throwing them away is the best way to get rid of them.
Cooking oil and grease: Because these also do not decompose and can clog the pipes with build-up as they flow through, throw them away. Grease and oils can cause problems within the tank since they can build-up and form hard solids that cause the septic not to function the way it is designed.
Chemicals and paint thinners: When you flush these down the septic system, not only can they cause problems in the tank but they also kill the beneficial microorganisms that decompose the solids. This upset in the balance of the system can be difficult to remedy and could cause you to need a new system.
Other factors that can impact how well your septic system works can be taking too many showers in a row. Your septic system is not designed to have a big influx of water as it cannot drain quickly. Spacing out showers can be the best plan to protect your septic system.
Washing clothes is the same principle. Spacing out washing clothes can give your septic system time to drain out without filling the tank with too much water.
When you use these simple practices to protect your septic system, this amazing waste removal process can serve you well for many years.
