Septic System 101: Caring for a Septic System in Boise, Idaho

Given the housing market lately, you may unexpectedly find yourself with a home that has a septic system. As a new homeowner, if a septic system isn't something you've ever considered, caring for and maintaining it may feel overwhelming; however, practically speaking, living with a septic system is not too different from being connected to the city sewage system. Here are some basic things to know as you learn to manage your septic system: 

How Does a Septic System Work?

A septic system is basically a giant tank that collects wastewater from your home. Some waste--called scum--floats to the top of the wastewater, and some waste--called sludge--settles to the bottom. The water in between these two layers passes through a grease trap designed to catch debris and is then allowed to seep back into the ground, which allows you to go 2-5 years before having to get your tank pumped. The area in your yard where this water seeps back in is called the leach field. The naturally occurring ecosystems of bacteria and other microbes in the wastes that's left in the tank serve to break down larger waste components, which maximizes the use of your tank. 

No Grease Down Drains

Grease often sticks to and coats different components like the pipes leading to the septic system, and can quickly gunk up the grease trap. Additionally cooled grease often hardens into thick, sticky deposits, which can then stick to other debris and quickly occlude your pipes and grease trap. Grease should never be poured down the drain--even for residents on city sewage systems--but is an especially big no-no when it comes to septic systems. 

Use Liquid or Gel Detergents

Similarly, powdered laundry detergents can leave tiny solid particles in your drain water. While these small particles may not seem like a big deal, a couple loads of laundry a week can quickly add up. As these particles get caught in the grease trap or other parts of your septic system, they can cause blocked pipes or slow the flow of draining water. An easy solution is to commit to using liquid or gel detergents only. 

Space Out High Water Load Tasks

One simple but effective way to keep your septic system healthy and functioning well is to space out your high water load tasks. Rather than running multiple loads of laundry, the dishwasher, and giving the kids baths on the same day, try spacing things out. One system that works for many people is to run one load or laundry per day, or to alternate laundry and kids' bath days. Because the septic system allows excess water to seep back in to the ground, overutilizing water on a given day may lead to too much water runoff. This can overwhelm your leach field and cause a part of your yard to become wet or soggy, which is unpleasant at best. 

Only Flush Toilet Paper

Paper towels, Clorox wipes, "flushable" wipes and feminine hygiene products--these are things people sometimes flush down the toilet. While it's good practice to avoid flushing these things regardless of whether you are on city water or a septic system, flushing anything but toilet paper can cause catastrophic downstream effects on a septic system. Toilet paper is designed to disintegrate in water; none of these other products are. These things can clog your pipes and cover your grease trap and can quickly lead to needing costly repairs or even replacement. It's a lot less of a headache to simply avoid flushing anything but toilet paper. 

Owning a septic tank can be a little intimidating at first, but it doesn't need to be! We hope these tips and tricks can help ease your mind and help you have a stress-free experience with your new septic tank. Feel free to contact our team of experts with any questions, concerns, or for our services in the Boise, Idaho area.