Now we're talking shit, serious shit, piling up everywhere

[whitebb2727]

There is always an irreducible residue. A well-running septic system doesn't need frequent pumping, but not zero either. Like compost: there is some mass that doesn't get turned into carbon dioxide.

Mind you, I'm deducing this on general principles. I don't have specific knowledge here. If I'm wrong, let me know.

I can't be sure that it never needs pumping.

I do know of them personally going many years without pumping if setup right.


Every tank we had was a large tank and properly maintained. They can go a long time without need of pumping.

There are variables to it but a proper tank with adequate size won't need much pumping.

 

[ttystikk]

There is always an irreducible residue. A well-running septic system doesn't need frequent pumping, but not zero either. Like compost: there is some mass that doesn't get turned into carbon dioxide.

Mind you, I'm deducing this on general principles. I don't have specific knowledge here. If I'm wrong, let me know.

Now this is some grade A shit talking, right here.

 

[whitebb2727]

I also have to say here that grey water doesn't have to be hooked to the septic. The only thing hooked to ours is the toilet.

 

[ttystikk]

I also have to say here that grey water doesn't have to be hooked to the septic. The only thing hooked to ours is the toilet.

Unfortunately, most grey water plumbing goes to the same outlets in most homes. This can be very counterproductive because the soaps, solvents and detergents in it can screw a septic system right up.

 

[cannabineer]

I can't be sure that it never needs pumping.

I do know of them personally going many years without pumping if setup right.


Every tank we had was a large tank and properly maintained. They can go a long time without need of pumping.
View attachment 3978542 View attachment 3978543
There are variables to it but a proper tank with adequate size won't need much pumping.

Yup, got 8 years out of the one i am using now with avg. 2 occupants

 

[ttystikk]

Yup, got 8 years out of the one i am using now with avg. 2 occupants

That's some good shit!

 

[whitebb2727]

Unfortunately, most grey water plumbing goes to the same outlets in most homes. This can be very counterproductive because the soaps, solvents and detergents in it can screw a septic system right up.

Its not much work to take grey water off the septic.

Well its a bit of work but worth it. I take it off because of what you listed. Soaps and stuff are not good for the bacteria.
I

Yup, got 8 years out of the one i am using now with avg. 2 occupants

Ill amend my statement to less frequent pumping is needed if the tank is proper size and properly maintained.

 

[cannabineer]

Its not much work to take grey water off the septic.

Well its a bit of work but worth it. I take it off because of what you listed. Soaps and stuff are not good for the bacteria.
I

Ill amend my statement to less frequent pumping is needed if the tank is proper size and properly maintained.

Probably could have doubled it if our graywater didn't go there too. I'm fond of soap.

 

[ttystikk]

In future, I wonder if a biodigester might be a more elegant solution?

These utilize the decomposition cycle to provide heat, methane and high grade fertilizer from the same inputs as a septic system (hold the soap).

I know that such systems are being investigated for the sewage and waste water needs of rural villages in China.

Maybe a batch system would work for a small number of users?

 

[Singlemalt]

I also have to say here that grey water doesn't have to be hooked to the septic. The only thing hooked to ours is the toilet.

Same here

 

[whitebb2727]

Same here

Removing grey water really helps a septic tank.

 

[srh88]

Removing grey water really helps a septic tank.

The worst job I've ever done was fixing an old-school brick septic tank.. I had to drill out the gaps between every brick. Threw out what I was wearing and the hammer drill bit I was using

 

[whitebb2727]

The worst job I've ever done was fixing an old-school brick septic tank.. I had to drill out the gaps between every brick. Threw out what I was wearing and the hammer drill bit I was using

I bet. I hate working on septic and crap lines.

Two things to remember when doing that type work.

1. Shit flows down hill.

2. Don't bite your fingernails.

 

[srh88]

I bet. I hate working on septic and crap lines.

Two things to remember when doing that type work.

1. Shit flows down hill.

2. Don't bite your fingernails.

a lot of my work is lines to a septic tank.. for some reason around here people have trouble installing them or something.. always never enough fall in the pipe. but i dont mind that work, its just digging and moving shit around

 

[whitebb2727]

a lot of my work is lines to a septic tank.. for some reason around here people have trouble installing them or something.. always never enough fall in the pipe. but i dont mind that work, its just digging and moving shit around

I guess that's a common problem. Most every one I've worked on was for the same reasons.

 

[greg nr]

Soaps killing bacteria isn't the real problem with them. What kills septic systems is clogging of the leaching field. What happens is solids and small particles of food float to the surface instead of sinking and flow out into the leaching field, eventually clogging it. Grease likewise will float and flow out.

The only thing that is supposed to flow to the leaching field is water. Solids and grease will clog the pebbles and sand and water won't sink. It will come out at the surface and stink to high hell.

Other than that roots and pipe clogs can cause headaches.

we bought our house as a build to suit, so we saw it go in from the mud up. The town mandated that we size it for 10 people based on some formula of square footaqe and number of rooms. the tank is like 1500 gallons. We don't come close to filling it. We just pump it out as routine maintenance.

It's lasted us 25 years so far and shows no signs of distress.

Mass passes a law, title 5 I think, that makes the seller responsible for having the system recertified before sale and repairing anything found wrong. Lots of older homes are tripped up by this. Lots of work for septic firms.....

 

[Tangerine_]

Yrs ago Mr Tangerine contracted a job to help a new home owner of a very old house dig up the old septic. This home was out in the middle of nowhere on one of the townships here so not a lot of accurate record keeping.

After a few scoops of digging he brought the bucket up and attached was a section of a mans suit jacket.
He'd punctured an old wooden coffin. I'll spare y'all the details of what came pouring out

 

[whitebb2727]

Soaps killing bacteria isn't the real problem with them. What kills septic systems is clogging of the leaching field. What happens is solids and small particles of food float to the surface instead of sinking and flow out into the leaching field, eventually clogging it. Grease likewise will float and flow out.

The only thing that is supposed to flow to the leaching field is water. Solids and grease will clog the pebbles and sand and water won't sink. It will come out at the surface and stink to high hell.

Other than that roots and pipe clogs can cause headaches.

we bought our house as a build to suit, so we saw it go in from the mud up. The town mandated that we size it for 10 people based on some formula of square footaqe and number of rooms. the tank is like 1500 gallons. We don't come close to filling it. We just pump it out as routine maintenance.

It's lasted us 25 years so far and shows no signs of distress.

Mass passes a law, title 5 I think, that makes the seller responsible for having the system recertified before sale and repairing anything found wrong. Lots of older homes are tripped up by this. Lots of work for septic firms.....

I know they say its safe for soap and what not. The tank needs a good bacteria colony. Soaps and cleaners can hurt it. May not wipe them out but it definitely makes a difference. Depends on the quantity used.

Every time I've removed the grey water they work better.

People can negate the soap by using bakashi, rid-x, or similar product.

I agree about grease and things if that nature being a problem.

I've had to dig plenty of grease out of tanks.

 

[greg nr]

Yrs ago Mr Tangerine contracted a job to help a new home owner of a very old house dig up the old septic. This home was out in the middle of nowhere on one of the townships here so not a lot of accurate record keeping.

After a few scoops of digging he brought the bucket up and attached was a section of a mans suit jacket.
He'd punctured an old wooden coffin. I'll spare y'all the details of what came pouring out

I hate moving more than I hate just about anything else. I've told my family that I'm never moving again, and that when I die, dig a hole up the hill a ways, pur me in, cover me up, and don't tell the new owners I'm there.

There but for the luck of a backhoe, will go I...... And hopefully there will be quality bud in my pockets.

 

[ttystikk]

I know they say its safe for soap and what not. The tank needs a good bacteria colony. Soaps and cleaners can hurt it. May not wipe them out but it definitely makes a difference. Depends on the quantity used.

Every time I've removed the grey water they work better.

People can negate the soap by using bakashi, rid-x, or similar product.

I agree about grease and things if that nature being a problem.

I've had to dig plenty of grease out of tanks.

So have various cities in Great Britain.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/08/06/209487575/fatberg-15-ton-lump-of-lard-removed-from-london-sewer