Septic Tanks 101
Septic tanks are new to me, and after seeing advertising on tv for septic tank conditioners, and seeing neighbours having their tanks emptied by honey-wagons - the question is - what do you need to do on a regular basis when you have a 3-stage septic tank? How often do they need to be emptied (obviously this depends on the number of people in the household, and how full of s*** you are), and are there any no-no's or must-do's? I would really like to avoid a crisis in this department!
I am not in the DR, but I do know septic tanks having owned a septic tank related business here in the US. I will reply in general terms because there may be many variables that change any advice you might get, but here is my advice.
First, you must not be fooled by thinking that because the tank is "full" it must be emptied. All septic tanks must be full to work. Basically, water and waste goes in the tank and fills the tank up the outlet. Then each time a little waste comes in, it is acted on by the bacteria and broken down into liquid and sludge, The sludge will settle to the bottom of the tank, but the liquid in the tank will flow out when more waste comes in.
This process goes on until the sludge builds up to a point where it interferes with the liquification, and at that point the tank should be pumped. I have seen tanks go 20 years before this happens, and I have also seen tanks that needed pumping every few years depending on size, use, drainage issues, etc. The soil percolation has more to do with this than anything. Clay soil makes it hard for the liquid to absorb into the soil. While sandy soil easily lets the liquid percolate into the ground and will accept more liquid before becoming saturated and eventually backing up into the outlet of the tank.
In order to keep your tank working efficiently, you should not put any harsh chemicals in it or at least a little as possible. This means do not use excessive amounts of bowl cleaners, lye, lots of cooking grease, or other things that could kill off the live bacteria that work to liquify the waste. About 2 or 3 times a year, you could flush a packet of yeast down the drain to supplement the bacteria in the tank and to make sure the bacteria in the tank are alive and well. You do not need to do much else. Just make sure the drain lines stay clear and open. If the drain slows down, make sure the tank is not full of sludge (thick heavy residue building up from the bottom of the tank.) If it is, then it should be pumped out. When starting with a freshly pumped tank, flush a packet of yeast down the toilet to start the bacteria again
Hope this helps.
Bob H.