The Pumper's Wife

Today I will elaborate on the septic system drainfield and the best way to care for it. In the diagram above, you can see all the components of a septic system.   There is a tank and a leachfield/drainfield.   When I talk to customers, many of them are confused as to what makes up a septic system.   I would say many think that all they have is a tank and that is it.   However, the bigger portion of the septic system (and also the most expensive part) is the leachfield/drainfield/lateral field.   This part of the septic system is where the final treatment takes place.   It is also very important to know where your lateral field is located.   If this portion of your system becomes damaged or inhibited in any way, it will ruin the functionality of your septic system. Below is an example of a lateral field being installed.  You’ll notice the black plastic chambers situated in rows.  There are several t...

This week we will talk about TOILET PAPER!! Yay!   What fun?! What fun?!   Who doesn’t LOVE talking about the substance we use to wipe the most disgusting items from our body?! Hip hip hooray!! I know I have you going on a toilet-paper-celebrating-frenzy, but to be honest, toilet paper is no laughing matter when it comes to your septic system.   Believe it or not, using the wrong toilet paper can clog your system and leave you with a HUGE mess.   So, how do you know if you’re using the wrong toilet paper?   Let me help… Unfortunately, all toilet papers claim to be “septic safe.”   This can be really confusing to the “new to septic” homeowner.   I’m sure all toilet papers will eventually break down once they get to the tank, but here’s the problem – if they are thicker, 3 ply, quilted toilet paper, they struggle to make it to the tank. Here’s why… When you use cheap, single ply toilet paper, the minute it hits the water and ge...