Education program on how to properly use your Septic Tanks

[Chuck]

The Wrightwood MAC established a committee to review options for a Business District Sewage System and the possibility of a community wide sewage treatment system. This was prompted by the serious problem that existed with the Evergreen Restaurant.  We were able to find a solution (not permanent) for the Evergreen but we needed to prepare for the next situation, which will happen.  In all our meetings and meeting with the Yucca Valley Water district we determined we need to start an education program to help people keep their septic tanks in good order.  Yucca Valley received a Mandate from California to fix their problem, or face major fines and other nice problems.  They are in the process to meet a 2018 deadline.   California passed new regulations for Septic Tanks that could seriously affect  communities like ours, serious hurdles!

This post is just a start and hopefully others will join in with their expertise.  In our meetings I learned some simple things to pass along right now.  Some are probably well known but still important to note.  Below are several links that offer basics.  Both links say the same thing,

Q: What should go into my septic tank?
A: The best situation for a long, happy septic tank life would be that only human wastewater enters the tank. This includes bathroom sink waste and proper toilet tissue. This however, is seldom the case. People often put anything and everything down sinks, drains and toilets. In moderation, a properly working septic tank can handle some biodegradable detergents, laundry soaps, kitchen wastes and biodegradable household chemicals. In large amounts, any and all of these things can limit the digestive properties of your septic tank. A good rule of thumb: "If you didn't, couldn't, wouldn't eat it, don't put it in the septic tank!"

Q: What should not go in to my septic tank?
A: Things like cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, plastics, any other trash, or high levels of cleaning agents or chemicals create problems for your septic tank. Some things kill the good bacteria the septic tank needs to breakdown human waste. Other items do not readily decompose and more importantly, may clog the baffles and prevent proper fluid flow inside the septic tank. Basically, non-biodegradable products are non-septic products.

Instead of using your garbage disposal, toss leftovers in the trash.  We are not Orange County with Sewer Systems.  Don't put oil or grease in your septic tank, put it in a jar and then capped to the trash.  I recently started to put everything I can in the trash, not using the garbage disposal like before.  Of course you can make your own choice, but with the new state laws eventually Septic Tank replacements could cost in the $20-25,000 range due to what they will be requiring after the 5 year moratorium (4 years left).       

http://clearchoicescleanwater.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/septic-FAQs2.pdf
http://aapseptic.com/id69.html
       
We will offer information as we receive it from the experts.  It's a choice of how we choose to spend our money  Once I have someone lined up for a MAC or Property Owners meeting we will publicize. 

[tcaarabians]

Chuck or anyone: What is 'proper toilet tissue?"

[Chuck]

I read something about not putting heavy die toilet paper in septics, not sure what that is.  But the below says toilet paper is okay-

Be water-wise
Using less water may increase the life of your septic system. Using too much water is a frequent factor in failed systems.

    Quickly repair all leaky faucets and toilets
    This is one of the easiest ways to be water wise. "Even apparently very slow leaks, such as a slowly dripping faucet, can generate 15 to 20 gallons (57 to 76 liters) of wastewater per day," according to the USEPA Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Manual.
    Use "low flow" fixtures on faucets and shower heads (these may be found at most hardware stores)
    Some examples are:
    Faucet insert: device that slows water flow
    Faucet aerator: device that adds air to spread the water flow
    Reduced flow faucet: the faucet is built for low water flow
    Mixing valves: one fixture regulates hot and cold water
    Spread laundry washing throughout the week and wash full loads
    Dishwashers and washing machines should not be run at the same time
    Don't flush anything except toilet paper into your septic system
    This includes diapers, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, sanitary napkins, tampons, condoms, grease, oils, unwanted medications or paper products other than toilet paper. Products labeled as "flushable" may not be suitable for a septic system.
    Don't drain water from hot tubs or swimming pools into your septic system
    Large volumes of water can 'drown' your drainfield and chlorine can destroy important bacteria in your septic tank and drainfield. Drain hot tubs away from the system, especially the drainfield. For disposal options, call King County's Water and Land Resources Division at (206) 296-6519. 

[SoCalGal]

Any package of toilet tissue that does not say "safe for septic use" or something similar, should be avoided.  If you have any, just use it for wiping up floors, and don't ever flush it.  It's also good to be careful with nylon scrubbers, and toss them when they start getting loose threads.  Be sure washing machines have good lint filters in the drain system, or where the drainage exits the hose - a hair catcher like you might use in a tub should be OK - and try baking soda and vinegar instead of many household cleaners.

Tossing grease in containers in the trash is very important.  A grease catcher can be built into a septic system, but must be cleaned out often; most septic systems won't have one anyway, so don't assume you do.

I was told that activating a yeast packet in warm water for 15 minutes, and then pouring it down the drain, was helpful a few times a year.  Don't know it that's true, but it seems harmless.

[Wrightwood]

Never - ever flush Kleenex into septic systems!

[dustyduck]

I lived in Alta Loma at the base of Cucamonga canyon for over 28 years and I only had to pump my system twice.  The first time was because I was dumb about the proper maintenance of the system,  The second time was when we had a small break in the, line from the tank to the leach.

The above information is good about the paper and not putting grease down the drain.  What seems to be missing is the need to regularly maintain the proper bacterial balance in the tank.  There are products you can purchase to maintain this balance.  Mountain hardware has two products, one is a monthly product and the other is a yearly one.  I have always used the monthly product.

If I had a clog in a line and had to use any kind of drain opener after clearing the clog I would flush the line with hot water and them flush the bacterial product down, even if I had just done it the previous week.

Septic tanks are built to last a long, long time and with the proper care and maintenance they will without any problems. 

[tcaarabians]

Ok.. must check my TP for "safe for septic" sign. Don't suppose they have an easy to recognize insignia?

As for the best "additive bacteria enhancer" for a septic... I was told not to use that stuff they sell at Stater Bros.. because it acts like yeast on toilet paper. So, I'm not sure about yeast either. Must admit I've put a little Liquid Plumber down the kitchen sink .. so far so good. I don't have a garbage disposal or a dish washer. I don't miss them. My washer is on a grey gardening line. I highly recommend that. It's really a twofer.

I pretty much either throw food residue into the trash.. or take it out to the rabbits and the squirrels. And, I always wipe out grease from pans. Tho, I'm sure some escapes me. So, what is the best bacteria agent to use in a septic tank? I want to keep my septic happy. When it is happy.. I am happy. cheryl o7

[Bob C]

SB County actually recommends not using any of the enzyme type additives, or yeast.

http://www.sbcounty.gov/dehs/Depts/EnvironmentalHealth/FormsPublications/documents/550008_septic_book_eng.pdf

[dustyduck]

I saw your note on what the county says about care of septic tanks.  I got my information from a guy who had installed and took care of septic systems for over 30 years.

Just to let you know what the county also says that you should drill down 40 feet through rock to install a leach system, I went with the old guy and never had a problem.

[lagomorphmom]

What happens when you add yeast and toilet paper?

[tcaarabians]

The fellow from Wayne's told me that it swells up the tp and causes a blockage. Cheryl o7o

[Nolena]

This topic makes me flush.

[Chuck]

Just be advised on what you flush, it's your money you don't want to flush (by doing the wrong thing)!

We have arranged for a Septic Tank Expert to be at the next MAC Meeting on Monday May 20th at 7 PM to review Septic Tank guidelines and answer questions.  With new State laws just around the corner treating the Septic Tank right could save you $1000's of dollars.

We will publicize and hope to see good attendance.  Tell a friend. 

[skitover]

Where can I find more information on, "new state laws eventually Septic Tank replacements could cost in the $20-25,000 range due to what they will be requiring after the 5 year moratorium (4 years left)."   I believe I need to replace my septic tank in the next 2- 3 years.  All information provided would be of great value.

[ndannie]

I purchased this property a couple years ago.  It has two septic tanks - one newer concrete one and one metal one.  They both work just fine. 

The realtor I talked to mentioned the metal one would probably need to be replaced before I would sell the house.  It is small, maybe 750 gallons?  Has anyone had a septic tank replaced recently?  How much did it cost you and who did you have do it?  Here's to hoping it's not a fortune...

Thanks in advance! Hope everyone had a great (hopefully long) weekend! 

[Elk]

Read this thread... http://www.wrightwoodcalif.com/forum/index.php/topic,1901.msg273388.html#msg273388

Be sure to notice who "not" to call or hire.

I recommend Steve with Desert Design. My comments on Steve are on the last page.

Price depends on the situation and conditions but $4-6K would be what I would expect, maybe less if it is a quick, easy swap of the tank only??

[jek134]

I had my septic replaced last spring through Frank. It cost roughly $5,000, but I'm sure every house's circumstance is different. He was very professional and personable.