Septic tank, what is normal?

Mosey · May 22, 2002

I’m getting ready to get my septic tank pumped (it’s been almost 4 years). I was expecting a layer of “sludge” floating on the top of the sewage. But, when I opened it up, it was mostly water on top, with patches of sludge. I used and old CB whip antenna as a poker and there appears to be about 6” of sludge at the bottom of the tank. Does this seem normal? Also, there are some areas on top where there’s something floating and it’s real dark black and at first it looked like bugs or something moving, but then I realized it wasn’t alive. What is this?

Pilgrim · May 22, 2002

Note to self...
Do not buy used CB antenna from Mosey.

Boondox · May 22, 2002

Sludge at the bottom is normal, but pretty much the reason you want to have them pumped out every few years (We have ours done every three years.) Usually, the "floating sludge" you refer to is partially emulsified grease from the kitchen. Folks who are really good about not passing grease down the garbage disposal have less of those charming little blobs of fat swimming around.

As for the dark floaters, if they're not winking at you, don't worry.

Pete

wasabi · May 22, 2002

thats a big 10- 4 from here on Pilgrim's wisdom.

TonyC · May 22, 2002

<font color=blue> there are some areas on top where there's something floating and it's real dark black</font color=blue>

You oughta know...you made it! /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif Sorry, I couldn't resist.

It probably some form of bacteria which is good. When it runs it's life cycle it will sink to the bottom and more will take it's place. Doesn't sound to me like you are in a bad need of a pumping. My neighbors said I was crazy...I hadn't had mine pumped for 15 years! Last year my waterline broke and I had equipment all over digging up my yard. I decided to go ahead and get it done. I didn't have any more sludge than you do.

Some folks get paranoid about getting them pumped out. If the bacteria is working good (sounds like yours is) and the leech field is draining well you can go a very long time without a problem. Heck, I went 15 years and after watching them pump it out I could have gone another 15.

Mosey · May 22, 2002

OK, maybe it would be a little crude to put the antenna in my next garage sale!

I don’t have a garbage disposal and we don’t dump grease down the drain. But, I’m sure some gets down there from washing pans, etc. Some say garbage disposals are bad, some say they actually help. Would adding one mean I’ll have to pump the tank more often?

I don’t get it though, how can anyone go 15 years without getting it pumped? Why doesn’t the sludge build up to the baffle and plug it up?

“If the bacteria is working good” - If mine is, great, but I don’t know what I’m doing to make it any better than anyone else! Is it our diet? Is it because I make everyone go in the woods so I don’t have to worry about the septic system? (just kidding!) I guess I won’t change anything, but I sure don’t know good bacteria from bad bacteria!

looch · May 22, 2002

If your tank is working well, it can go a long time without being emptied. Like you said, problem is - how do you know? Up here it costs 175$ to have it emptied - that's cheap insurance. I'd rather not wait until Old Fateful showed up in my back yard, and leave the mysteries of the septic system to those who earn their money fiddling with them.

One piece of advice (from experience) - don't use powdered laundry detergent, especially if the ground is wet.

Paul

rdln · May 22, 2002

thats the best chuckle I have gotten from any post, thank you.

TerryinMD · May 22, 2002

We let our go for 11 years and it was in pretty good shape. Did we need to have it pumped? Maybe not. However, states are starting to put regulations out that mandate that the tanks will be pumped out every 2 or 3 years. I believe that PA has inititiated that regulation or is about to. I talked to my neighbor this week and he just had his pumped last week. The septic pumping guy told him that MD will probably have a similar regulation within the next year or two.

There is probably a little more to the reason why than we understand. My guess is that there is some groundwater concerns coming from the Federal/State environmental departments. Heck, those guys have to justify their existence!! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

I would rather pay out a few hundred bucks every couple of years rather than installing a new septic system and leech field. That is very expensive.

Terry

Argee · May 22, 2002

<font color=blue>but I sure don’t know good bacteria from bad bacteria!
</font color=blue> Definitely don't want to buy your used C B antenna./w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif Your not going to see the good bacteria because it's doing what it does best, taking your solids and breaking them down and turning them into the effluent. The sludge at the bottom is solids that the bacteria is presently working on, and for that matter so is the little winking one on top. By removing the sludge your removing a lot of the bacteria.

A well maintained, perfectly working septic system should never need pumping. Pumping it runs the risk of disturbing the bacteria. You don't want to p!!! them off or they'll go on strike. If they go on strike you got a sh!!!! mess on your hands and everywhere else.

Bacteria is everywhere, it's what breaks down the plowed down organic matter in your soil and in your compost heap. It is good bacteria. It lives a regimented life, Take it out of it's regiment and it could turn on you.

The old adage "If it ain't broke don't fix it!" applies here. What you think as a little cleaning could mean a life time of visits from the "Purple Pooper Pumper".