C.R. Barger & Sons, Inc.: Septic Tank System Maintenance FAQ

Minimize heavy duty cleaners

2010-09-07T11:04:15.405-04:00

Overuse of heavy cleaners kills beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. In today’s world it is hard not to have bleach or antibacterial soap entering the tank. Therefore, septic tanks today are not as efficient at degrading solids in the tank as they were decades ago.

Protect the system from damage

2010-09-07T11:04:15.235-04:00

Do not drive over the drain field, build a structure on top of it, or cover it with concrete or asphalt. Plant grass on the drainfield to minimize soil erosion.

Avoid hazardous chemicals

2010-09-07T11:04:15.053-04:00

Varnish, paint thinners, motor oils, gasoline and other similar chemicals can damage the tank, eat the field line pipe and are hazardous to groundwater. Dispose of them properly at a local recycling center.

Grease is your enemy

2010-09-07T11:03:33.464-04:00

Dispose of grease somewhere besides your septic system. When grease hardens, you will have a gigantic mess.

Garbage disposals

2010-09-07T11:03:33.284-04:00

Don’t use one or even think about using one.

Your toilet is not a garbage can

2010-09-07T11:03:33.093-04:00

Do not flush unnecessary solids down the toilet such as: excess toilet paper, disposable diapers, cigarette butts, face wipes and feminine hygiene products.

Water intrusion into the tank

2010-09-07T11:03:32.912-04:00

You need to divert rainwater from your gutters and landscaping away from the field line area. Also, check your faucets and toilets for leaks. You can not hear most toilets leaking, so you will have to be clever and use food coloring in the holding tank to see if any leaks down into the bowl after a 24 hour period. Typical top load washing machines use 50 – 65 gallons of water per load. A front load washing machine uses between 17 – 20 gallons per load. A local utility district has reported that one leaky toilet has allowed 100,000+ gallons of water go into the septic tank and field line. Conserve water and be a good steward for the environment and help your septic system.

Trees

2010-09-07T11:03:32.494-04:00

Roots from trees can damage both the tank and field line. Keep trees away from your drainfield or you will experience major problems years down the road.

System maintenance

2010-09-07T11:02:05.463-04:00

Bleaches and antibacterial soaps are a detriment to proper working of the tanks. The amount of enzymes needed to help bacteria break down the solids in the tank can not overcome the bleaches and soaps from weekly use.

A septic tank is a septic tank, right?

2010-09-07T11:02:05.295-04:00

Wrong. Each manufacturer has their own way to produce tanks. Barger And Sons is the only manufacturer in East Tennessee that is audited (unannounced) by an independent engineering firm on an annual basis that certifies our plant production process. No other manufacturer makes the same tank as us or has more experience and engineering background when it comes to manufacturing septic tanks in East Tennessee.

Have you had your septic tank pumped more than once in a 12 month period?

2010-09-07T11:02:05.104-04:00

If you have had to have your septic tank pumped more than one time in a 12 month period you have one of three problems. 1) The field line is full of solids and needs replacing. 2) You have a toilet leaking or your water consumption is more than the system can handle. 3) Ground water is infiltrating the tank and overloading your field line. If the answer from the service provider is to continually pump your tank, please call someone else to diagnose and fix your system.

How often should I have my tank pumped?

2010-09-07T11:02:04.913-04:00

It depends on the tank size and your usage, but for a family of three you will generally be safe following these guidelines:

900 gallon tank and below – Once every 2 years.
1000 gallon tank – Once every 2 - 3 years.
1500 gallon tank – Once every 3 - 5 years.
2000 gallon tank and larger - Once every 6 - 10 years

Should I inspect or open my septic tank?

2010-09-07T11:02:04.574-04:00

Never attempt to open a septic tank yourself. Gases and bacteria in the septic tank are dangerous and lethal. Have only experienced professionals maintain and inspect your septic tank.

Do additives seen on TV and sold by door-to-door salesmen work?

2010-09-07T11:02:03.820-04:00

Our answer is no. There is no amount of enzymes you can add to your septic tank that will overcome the bleaches and antibacterial soaps that enter your septic tank. Save your money and put it toward high quality system components such as effluent filters, and access ports that extend to near ground level that allow for easy pumping.