Many rural homeowners don't realize the purpose of a septic system until it is too late - that is, until the system is destroyed. The purpose of the concrete tank, hidden out of sight under the lawn, is to provide a factory where anaerobic bacteria (bacteria that live without oxygen) digest and separate organic (human and otherwise) waste into liquid effluent, solid sludge, and floating scum.

By digesting the waste, the bacteria reduce it's volume and render the liquid effluent relatively harmless. The solid sludge settles to the bottom of the tank. The liquid overflows into a distribution box, from which it flows to rows of perforated pipes in a drainage field of gravel and sand. Some of the liquid evaporates, while the rest sinks into the ground.

If the sludge accumulates to the bottom of the outflow pipe, the waste doesn't linger for the the bacterial action, but shoots right through, solids and all, to the distribution system. The solids clog the gravel bed, and the untreated wastes float to the surface. At that point, the gravel bed has to be replaced- a very expensive proposition. As with teeth, it is far less costly to perform regular maintenance than to replace them. Call a cleanout service before it's too late.

Managing your septic system.

Do:
-   Keep a plot plan showing the location of the septic tank access cover and layout of the distribution field.
-   Have the septic tank cleaned- or at least inspected- every two years.
-   Flush 1/2 pound of brewer's yeast dissolved in warm water, down a toilet twice a year to help promote bacterial digestion.
-   Space out the interval between baths, showers, and clothes washer loads if you have an influx of guests.
-   Locate gutter downspouts to divert rainwater away from the distribution field.

Don't:
-   Use a garbage disposal to dispose of food waste through the septic system. Instead, create a compost pile. The compost will be invaluable to your garden.
-   Use commercial drain cleaners anymore than you have to because they kill the anaerobic bacteria.
-   Flush coffee grounds, paper goods other than white toilet tissue, or grease, down any drain.
-   Pour chemicals, such as paint thinner, paint stripper, bleach, pesticide, or photographic developer, down a drain.