Buying House with Septic System

[ejnichol]

If you have a salt based water softener system, do Not run the backwash discharge into your septic system if at all possible.

The salt kills the good bacteria which consumes your tanks waste.

The salt also eats away at your concrete septic tank, skimmer and baffles if your system uses concrete tank and fixtures.

Also want to add something several septic people have told me. Your bowel movement contains all the good bacteria your tank needs. No need to add anything to your system in the way of additional additives. Avoid anything going in except fresh fecal matter. No bleach, oils, salt or chemicals.

 

[paulsharvey]

I'm also new to septic and am curious about driving over the field. Should I avoid driving my 1800 lb UTV over it? How about my 4000 lb tractor? I've been staying off of it except with the mower but I'm curious how paranoid I should be. I also would like to level it a bit since it makes up the main part of my lawn and is a bit rough in spots. Any issue dragging a landscaping rake over it with the UTV?

In general, you should avoid crossing the drain field regularly with anything heavier than a riding mower or Zero turn. The tank, if you dont know the type, same. A concrete lid "should" be fine; But you never know if its a poly tank with poly riser and poly lid, or maybe the concrete lid has a crack.

On the drain field; two things your worried about; 1) crushing that thin perf pipe; 2) gradual compaction.

If I needed to get to the other side, yeah, id go across; but i would do it often. As a smarter method, if I Had to drive a truck across; maybe lay some 2x12s in the wheel path to spread the load over a greater number of Sq Ft.

Cranes, power trucks, delivery trucks; tree trucks; absolutely dont. Roofing material delivery, ect. Also, dont park cars on it.

The UTV, your likely less PSI than a riding mower. I wouldn't park on it, or drive over it weekly, but a seasonal dragging, I would not worry about.

 

[paulsharvey]

"Mound systems have been referred to as "turkey mounds", lol. I have seen some in the front yard due to I suppose lot size?"

Likely forced by well placement, either theirs or their neighbors.