Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Septic System in Boise, ID

As with many things, “Prevention is Key,” is an excellent catchphrase, and it’s no different when it comes to septic system issues. A little bit of regular maintenance and being proactive can save you from costly problems and subsequent repairs. Although septic systems are set up to work well with little to no intervention, they rely on anaerobic bacteria to break down wastes to be most efficient, and maintaining an environment where these helper bacteria can thrive is critical to the health and efficiency of your septic system. 

How Does a Septic System Work?

Septic systems are designed to treat and recycle wastewater, letting the effluent--water that runs off--seep back into the ground to reenter the water cycle. In short, the journey that wastewater takes from the moment a toilet flushes or water otherwise goes down the drain is this: 

1. Smaller pipes lead to the main drain line. From sewage to shower water to the washing machine, sinks to the dishwasher and any other drain, all wastewater passes through smaller pipes that all lead to the main drain line, a large, thick pipe that carries wastewater away from the building. For buildings hooked up to the municipal water system, the main drain line typically leads to an even larger pipe under a residential street that carries the neighborhood’s wastewater towards a treatment plant, but in homes on a septic system, the main drain line leads to the septic tank. 

2. The septic tank is a holding space for wastewater. Once wastewater enters the septic tank, it’s allowed to settle into three layers. Waste that is denser than water settles to the bottom of the tank and forms a layer called sludge, waste that’s less dense than water floats to the top in a layer called scum, and the relatively debris-free layer of water is called effluent. Typically, scum is the smallest layer, and effluent the largest. 

3. Effluent seeps back into the ground. The layer of water enters a pipework system called the drain field. A larger pipe carries effluent away from the tank, and distributes it into a matrix of perforated pipes buried below the ground somewhere on the property. The effluent leaks slowly from these perforations, and gradually filters through layers of sediment and rock until it reaches the water table underground. During this process, the effluent is purified both by the layers of rocks and sand it traverses as well as environmental microbes, thus reentering the water table in a purified form. 

4. Sludge is broken down by anaerobic bacteria. Due to the nature of the sewage and wastewater that enters a septic tank, there is a rich ecosystem of bacteria inside of these tanks. These bacteria feed off of sludge, which breaks down and further compacts as the bacteria lives within it, extending the time a septic tank can be used before needing to be pumped. Thus, when and how often a septic tank must be pumped is determined by the solid wastes that are flushed down drains, and the majority of wastewater leaves the system to enter the environment. 

As you can see, a septic system is a fairly hands-off process, but does come with a delicate balance and ecosystem that must be maintained for optimal results, and there are a few tips and tricks that can be used to keep your septic tank in tip-top condition. 

Reduce Garbage Disposal Usage. 

Needless to say, adding to the amount of solid waste that goes down your drain will increase the frequency with which you need to pump out your septic tank. While using the garbage disposal doesn’t cause direct harm, it can contribute to frequently needing to have your septic tank cleaned. 

Don’t Flush Chemicals or Anti-Bacterials. 

Because the septic system relies on bacteria to increase its efficiency, anything that would endanger or disrupt the ecosystem of your septic tank should not be flushed down your drain. Paint, bleach-based cleaning products, anti-bacterial products are all examples of things that should not be flushed down the drain in quantities beyond what would typically be used to clean a home. 

Do Not Rinse Grease. 

Grease is well-known as a causative agent for clogs and obstruction of pipes, and can create an environment where the bacteria in your septic tank can’t do their job. When cooking, make sure to place fat drippings, bacon grease, and other oils in the trash rather than flushing them down the drain. 

At ASAP Septic, we are invested in the success of your septic and sewer system! We serve Boise, Middleton, Mountain Home, Payette, ID, and all surrounding areas. Fill out our online contact form or give us a call at (208) 991-7184 for more information or to schedule a consultation today.