Preserve Cape Cod Septic Systems
You can make your septic system on Cape Cod last longer
Many of the Cape Cod Septic Systems are older than 15 years old and there are many things you can do to make your septic system last longer:
Install Aero-Stream Aerator
Older septic systems leaching process begins to slow as the septic system ages due to the anaerobic bacteria dieing off and forming a slime or thickening of the biomat. The thickened biomat act as a membrane that reduces the porosity of the drainage area in the septic system and makes it very difficult for the water from leaching into the ground- it is like having a lot of clay in your soil- the water can not drain.
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By adding air to the septic tank the Aero-Stream system converts the bacteria to aerobic which are significantly stronger than anerobic bacteria.
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Aerobic bacteria work to eat the slime in the thickened biomat and reduce the biomat and over time return the system to it working state http://www.aero-stream.com/septic-sewage.html
Repair leaking fixtures:
A leaking faucet or flapper valve in the toilet can flood your septic system with hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water per day. The typical system is only designed for 75 gallons of water use per day per person
Toilets- a leaking toilet can flood a leaching area in 2 to 3 days
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Install Low Flow Toilets- the newer toilets are mandated for a 1.6 gallons of water per flush- 1/2 the water of older toilets
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Replace the Flappers in the toilet tanks every year- the number 1 cause of toilet tank leaks.
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Inspect Toilet Fill Valve-adjust the hight of the float so that water in the tank is 1/2 inch below the overflow tube
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Do not use flush-activated toilet bowl tablets or treatments. These products contain high amounts of chlorine bleach that kills the bacteria in the seotic tank When these products are used in the toilet tank they damage the rubber flapper valve causing it to leak
Washing Machines
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Front Loading Washing Machines- these machines generally use half the water of a top loaders washing machine
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A family of four that does 3 loads of laundry the water savings can be as much as 120 gallons of water per day.
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Install lint traps or filters on clothes washing equipment:
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many of today’s fabrics are synthetic and are not biodegradable. Some examples are polyester, nylon, and rayon. If these materials flow into the distribution component there is absolutely no way for them to be removed other than replacing the septic systems leaching area.
- Install water conserving fixtures e.g. shower heads, faucets, and toilets: These fixtures are available from most plumbing contractors and home building centers. Unlike older fixtures that have excess water flow, they are designed to provide adequate water flow for their function. Keep in mind that every gallon of water used in the house needs to be processed by your septic system. A low flush toilet can use 50% of the water of an older toilet!
- Septic Tank Pumping: State and local codes may prescribe a pumping frequency. Do not pump more frequently than required by code. Most experts believe that systems should be pumped once every 2 to 4 years.