Three Common Myths About Septic Systems in Boise, ID

There are many people who don’t know too much about septic systems. That’s okay! In fact, it’s perfectly normal. That’s why our team of experts at ASAP Septic are eager and ready to share our expertise. Although septic systems keep things running smoothly in our society, they’re not exactly a hot topic of conversation, and there is some misinformation out there that can leave a homeowner new to septic systems scratching their head. Today, we’ll be discussing--and dispelling--three common myths about septic systems. We hope that as we debunk these myths together, that we’ll be able to educate the public and serve our friends and neighbors in southeast Idaho through the expertise we have gained through decades in business. 

Myth One: Septic Systems Need Additives

For some reason, there is a circulating myth that homeowners need to add products like enzymes or bacteria to their septic tank to help it function properly. Let’s face it, septic tanks are unpleasant to think about, and the last thing anyone wants is to have anything septic related go awry. This is exactly why these products exist on the market: they take advantage of the fact that fearful homeowners will latch on to the idea that they can prevent issues through the use of these products. 

The truth is, septic systems are truly masterpieces of design. Bacteria and enzymes that break down waste don’t need to be added because they are naturally occurring in the ecosystem of a septic tank. Bacteria that break down waste are a natural, normal part of the human gut microbiota, and they happily continue their work once they’ve made it to the septic tank. In fact, adding certain types of additives can actually harm the delicate bacterial balance in the septic tank and lead to actual problems! 

Myth Two: Septic Systems Don’t Need Maintenance

This one is a little more understandable; because septic systems don’t need frequent maintenance, some people who haven’t been around a home with a septic system for long may mistakenly believe that once a septic system has been installed, it will continue to function indefinitely without any kind of maintenance. It’s an out-of-sight, out-of-mind mentality, and unfortunately, it’s wrong. It would certainly be convenient if a septic system could simply be forgotten about with no ill effects to its functionality, but we do, regrettably, live in a fallen world, and routine maintenance--most notably pumping out the septic tank--is required to keep a septic system running smoothly. 

Failure to maintain your septic system properly can lead to a number of issues, including broken or clogged parts, costly repairs that could have been avoided with some simple maintenance, and even system failure, which introduces the risk of biohazardous contamination due to the nature of the septic tank. None of these are fun scenarios! Please educate your friends and neighbors with septic systems on the septic pumping and inspection. 

Myth Three: Septic Systems are Always Environmentally Friendly

Never say never, as the saying goes, but it’s also true that you should never say always. Generally speaking, septic systems are actually more environmentally friendly than municipal sewer systems for the following reasons: 

• Less energy used to transport wastewater

• Natural treatment of wastewater; less chemicals used

• Reduced risk of sewer backups

However, it’s important to bear in mind that these advantages are contingent on the septic system being properly maintained and cared for. Septic systems have the potential to cause a lot of damage; because of the biohazardous materials contained in a septic tank, poorly maintained or malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate groundwater, which is harmful both to people--especially as many homes that rely on septic systems also rely on groundwater as a water source--and to the local wildlife. Properly maintaining your septic system and resolving any issues as they arise is a must when it comes to minimizing the risk of environmental harm. 

At ASAP Septic, we love serving our clients and sharing our earned expertise. Whether it’s dispelling myths or offering 24-hour emergency septic services, we are always glad to be doing our part. We serve Boise, Mountain Home, Payette, Kuna, Meridian, Caldwell, Lowman, Middleton, Garden Valley, 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.