septic tanks

[susan]

im sure some of you have your home hooked up to a private septic system. I have a 1500 gallon septic tank. I have always had public sewer before. Is ridX really necessary? Also everyone I have talked say they have never pumped out their septic tank and have never had any problems w/ them. Im paraonoid about private septic systems malfunctioning. I dont think i could stand it, if sewer backed up into my house. I almost feel the need to have the septic pumped out as dont know if ever done by previous homeowner. Are there any small warning signs before backup?

[Craig in NorCal]

We installed our septic system about 12 years ago, no problems at all. I was told that the system creates enough bacteria to break down the solids without any additives. Was also told by the installer to make sure you don't use alot of bleach in your washer, cleaning toilets, etc. I think it kills off the bacteria that I mentioned before & won't break down the solids, then the problems start. 80% of the people in my county are on private septic systems & haven't heard many horror stories.

Happy Flushing,
Craig

[rmurray]

A 1500 gallon tank is a very large tank...The other post here is coorect...the things that can hurt the function of a tank are bleach..and bleach products (Chlorine)...the bleach kills the bacteria that are necessary for the tank to function...A little bleach will not hurt..

Also..excessive amounts of grease can effect a septic operation...it can clog up the drain lines...Over the very long haul..the only other problem can be tree roots in the drain fields....they also can clog the lines..

Here is a comperhensive web site on the topic with good info for you..It will make you feel better..

http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm

[Christen]

How funny you should say this....our friends just had their septic back up in their so Cal house this last weekend. They just bought their house in December (not a mobile) and there has been so much for them to take care of. They were told their septic was cleaned out upon moving in. Makes me wonder. I am on sewer in my city, but I would be on septic if I get my vacation house (2x wide manu home). I dont envy you on that one!

[annaz]

Rid-x is not necessary and if you have the proper size septic for your useage and don't put things in it that aren't septic safe, and it's installed correctly you should have no problems. Recommendations are to have it pumped out every year, which I find excessive, but of course we haven't and haven't had any problems. Once every two or 3 years depending on useage is sufficient. Some of those additives can do more harm than good, by not allowing your septic to do what it's supposed to on it's own.

[Betsy Coan]

I have always done what my DGF used to do back in the 70's. He would put a little pack of yeast in the toliet and flush about once a month. My DGM always put a 1/2 cap full of bleach in her dish water to kill germs, she said. They never had a problem. I have been doing this for years and have never had a problem no matter what I clean with or how much bleach I put in washer, sink, tub, or toilet. Hope this helps.