Wenatchee and Leavenworth Real Esate Home Inspection- Septic Shock

Submitted by DonHester on Sun, 08/07/2011 - 12:00.

Wenatchee and Leavenworth Real Esate Home Inspection- Septic Shock

Many homes in rural areas or in developments where a main sewer system has not been installed will have their waste systems provided by an on-site waste system… septic system. In fact about 20% of all household are on septic systems.

As a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system. So understanding how they function and where they are on your property helps you protect your investment in your home.

You should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank. These systems if properly designed, constructed and maintained will provide long-term, effective treatment of your household wastewater. These systems are usually designed based on how many bedrooms are in the home.

Here is a document from the EPA on septic systems (Homeowners Guide) and another article with some great information (document).

So what does this have to do with home inspection? Well on several of my recent home inspections in more rural areas I have come across garbage disposals on septic systems.

The EPA and many other sources suggest eliminating the use of a garbage disposal to reduce the amount of grease and solids entering the septic tank. Garbage disposal can result in the need for more frequent pumping of the system. Then there are others that say a disposal may even help your system, Hmm.

There seems to be a lot of information out there that conflict.

As someone who has been on septic systems for most of my home ownership I know that by being more careful with what goes into the system will greatly increase the efficiency and life of the system. These systems need time to break down solids and greases. It just seems biologically sensible.

So, what is a home owner to do? The simplest solution would be to remove the disposal. If you want a disposal the next step is to become very familiar with how the system works and what should and should not be in the system.

Investing in a top of the line disposal would next step. They do make disposals designed for septic system use.

InSinkErator has designed a disposal specifically for septic systems. They have developed a proprietary system they call Septic Assist, featuring Bio-Charge, an automatic injection of microorganisms to help break down food waste. I have yet to see one of these in action and would be very curious to get some data on them in the real world.

My advice to homeowners is to be careful with the system. Learn how it functions and where all the components of the system are physically located on your property (tank, drainfield, cleanouts). Minimize solids and greases put into the system. The more aware you are on these systems the better they will function over time.

Here is another article- “Things to Never put in your Septic System”

Wenatchee and Leavenworth Real Esate Home Inspection- Septic Shock

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Wenatchee and Leavenworth Real Esate Home Inspection- Septic Shock