Septic system proplems

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

So, in simple terms, are we saying that the field should be able handle normal flow, but it has become out of balance? So now instead of the liquids passing through the leach field, the field has the bacteria bloom / sludge that is restricting the flow. When the tank function is corrected with aeration, the feeding of the bacteria in the leach field is reduced, the sludge will be reduced by the bacteria and the field will resume normal function. Do I have that right?

Pretty much, except I wouldn't say the system is out of balance now. It's actually in balance for the existing conditions. But those conditions create unacceptable operation.

I would say the system is overloaded now, and by reducing the organic load to the leach field the system will rebalance in a state that does provide acceptable operation.

Again, this is all predicated on the assumption that the system is overloaded with waste, but would operate acceptably hydraulically save for the slime buildup.

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

...I would say the system is overloaded now, and by reducing the organic load to the leach field the system will rebalance in a state that does provide acceptable operation...

We believe grey water (GW) makes for overload. Once this GW is diverted, the leach field should slowly revert to acceptable operation. Until that happens, we will experience repeated pumpouts.

Aeriation can accomplish acceptable operation, however that money can be better spent toward installing the GW recycling system. That will lessen the water bill now and once the county sewer lines are installed, make for a lower sanitation bill.

[T. R. Oglodyte Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close T. R. Oglodyte]

By far the predominant organic load originates from toilets and the kitchen. If the problem is an organic overload, the leach field will likely remain fouled as long as those waste streams are unmanaged.

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Added note: if the system has an organics overload, the most significant thing to do is to keep all food waste from going down the sink. Scrape food and cooking utensils clean and collect the scrapings. Put your food waste either in a composting bin or in a worm box. Wash and rinse dishes in a plastic container, and add that water to the gray water system.

If you are rigorous about this, only black water will be going into the system. Note that it still may take some time for the leach field to fix itself, as the septic system will still be anaerobic and anaerobic systems take a longer time to respond to changes than do aerobic systems.

[Marti Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close Marti]

The grass is always greener over the septic tank

Actually, it's over the drain field, and the grass really is greener
it takes advantage of the moisture & nutrients in the drain field.

[vintner Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close vintner]

Anyone read this thread who has watched the Red Green Show and think of Winston Rothschild sewage and septic sucking service?

[JLB Please excuse me, I'm a Dick. Not a moron just a Dick Find all posts View Profile Close JLB]

How about trying to find a septic system forum? Some of the advice here may be good, but much of it runs contrary to my experience with septics, going back 30 years.

We pump our tank at least once a year.

Once the lateral fields builds up, or the tank starts failing to break down, the sludge tops out of the tank further clogging your laterals. If that situation continues you get to an irreversible situation.

All septic people I have ever dealt with have discouraged the use of products like RidX.

I have had, and do have, dry wells (why they call it that I don't know) where non-toilet wastewater is routed.

Septics are a big problem here around the lake . . . getting a regular one installed with a new house is very difficult now. Engineered systems are almost always required. The effluent from them is drinking water quality () and is routed through drip fields. There are models that are retrofitted into existing septic tanks.

[Ryne08 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Ryne08]

Is it true that baking soda is good for your septic system?

[RESORT2ME Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RESORT2ME]

My OP question goes unanswered:

A way of improving the waste system operation is being sought. Recently I watched www.septicgenie.com and thought that may be a simple resolution. Anyone have knowledge, pro or con of this or other septic aids?

I appreciate the information given, but apparently no one here aeriates their tank.

Most likely we will install one of the aeriation systems just to help the tank and field to function until the sewer goes in. After that we are forced to hook up to it.

Grey water recycling systems must be engineered and county approved. We wish to go this route whether the tank and field operate or fails.

Even with upcoming sewer lines (ten years away), we still want to recycle GW instead of using fresh (drinkable) water for flushing and outside watering. All the bathroom (other than commode) and roof rain water will be reused. Filtration, pumps, water lines and valves will run seemingly everywhere. It’s a large project. I hope to live long enough to see it though.