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What are the Myths and Facts about Septic Tank Systems?

Home Blog What are the Myths and Facts about Septic Tank Systems?

There’s a lot of misinformation about septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas.

A popular myth is that septic systems don’t really pose a hidden threat to water quality. Professionals who do septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas warn that when the effluent is not adequately treated, as in a failing septic system, it is a health hazard and can cause many human diseases. Studies have found that failing septic systems can become chronic sources of nutrients and interact with nearby waterways.

There’s also a common misunderstanding that septic systems are designed to be maintenance-free. Neglecting system maintenance leads to system failure. There is a need for maintenance of septic systems, or an accumulation of pollutants happens.

Professionals who specialize in septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas explain that some people consider a septic system similar to a garbage disposal. It is NOT! Garbage disposals can overload a system with solids causing the need for more frequent tank pumping and can increase wastewater strength beyond the capacity of the system to properly treat it.

Technicians who work on septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas warn about even coffee grounds. They don’t readily digest and can get into the septic system’s leaching bed, where they can contribute to system failure. Also, don’t flush plastic, condoms, rubber, coffee grounds, citrus rinds, eggshells, dental floss, diapers, baby wipes, kitty litter, cigarette butts, fats, greases, paper, paints, solvents, varnishes, thinners, waste oils down into the septic system. It inevitably leads to septic system failure.

There’s a myth about additives helping the septic system. Some septic tank additives on the market with chemicals, yeast, bacteria, or enzymes claim to improve septic tank performance or reduce the need for routine pumping. Septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas points out that adding a stimulator or an enhancer to a septic tank to help it function or “to restore bacterial balance” is not necessary. The naturally occurring bacteria needed for the septic system to work are already present in human feces. Professionals suggest: Let nature take its course.

Some homeowners mistakenly assume clogged septic systems must be replaced. Not always. Many clogged septic systems can be restored with maintenance. Three of the most common causes of clogs — indigestible sewage solids entering the leaching bed, slimy biomat growths blocking the holes in the perforated leaching pipes and tree roots physically clogging the leaching pipes — can usually be solved without replacing any part of the system.

A dangerous myth is ambitious DIY homeowners entering the septic tank. Septic tank cleaning in Houston, Texas is unanimous with the caution: Never enter any septic tank. Poisonous gases or the lack of air can be fatal. Any work to the tank should be done from the outside.

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