re: Septic Systems for Dummies?

I don't have an air pump in mine. We've had this house for going on 30 years with never a pump out. I don't use rid-x. 5 yrs ago installed a bidet to cut down on TP use.

I'll be honest. I don't want to screw with it. It's working so far and I feel like if I got it pumped they would either find a problem OR it would pump out my magical bacteria that has been performing miracles.

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When would you know if it needs to be pumped out in the future? Do you just stick your head in that mf with a flashlight?

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When the parish inspected all the homes for compliance, they measured the amount of "sludge" in the sept tank. To do this the guy stuck a 1" diameter long clear plastic pipe down the the bottom of the tank. Then he caped the end of the pipe and pulled it out and set the bottom end of the pipe on the ground.

I think he then waited a minute or 2 to allow the sludge to settle. If the slug level was more than 50%, it failed and I was required to get the sept tank pumped out.

When the guy pumped out the sludge, he left a little in there so that there was still some bacteria in the tank.

Have a well or on a public water system?

Instead of RidX we use something called CCLS sold to us by the septic company. We buy it by the gallon and flush a few ounces a month down the toilet. Not sure if its better but we haven't had any problems. I try to make sure to put a little extra down the drain right before we go on vacation. My thought process is that it will sit in the tank since there is no water usage for a a week or so while we are gone and it gives it a chance to create the good bacteria.

We bought the house and had the septic guy come out and look at it as well as pump it. He mentioned that my drain field looked awfully small (short). We have a stream/ditch that runs along the one side of the house which limited the length of the drain field. The house was built for 2 retirees so I am pretty sure they never stressed the septic system. We get it pumped out every 3 years and I talk to the septic guy as he's pumping it to assess the condition. Been in the house 4 years and no problems. 2 adults and 3 kids (two teenagers) in the household.

As other have mentioned don't build or drive on the tank/field. Also make sure not to plant anything on or near the field as the roots will cause havoc on everything.

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Thank you for the replies. The sellers had it inspected also , I will get a copy of the inspection report from my realtor.

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You should’ve had it inspected and tested on your own behalf. Likely the most expensive single system of your home to replace. Do they have records as to how often it was pumped before? A failed or failing field may not become apparent for some time after the sale

Was told by my septic guy just dump some bread yeast with active cultures down the toilet every now and again. Will keep bacteria where it needs to be.