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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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September 9, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Septic Maintenance
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Would you buy a car and
never change the oil? Would you own a piano and never get it tuned?
Would you let your furnace go for years without cleaning? Would you only
vacuum your house on an annual basis? How about your clothes? Do you
wear them until they disintegrate? Hopefully, most people would answer
“of course not” or “don't be silly”. But many people, who would normally
see to the proper maintenance of their belongings, forget that their
septic tank also needs cleaning for continued proper functioning.
Systems should be inspected every 1 to 5 years, depending on the age of
the system and your use of water. If your household is large or uses
large quantities of water, it should be inspected more often. Or, if you
suspect you have a problem, don't delay in getting it evaluated. Signs
of a potential problem include: sewage surfacing over the drainfield,
especially after storms; lush, green growth over the drainfield;
slow-draining toilets or drains; and/or sewage odors.
A failing septic system can be a major expense to repair for a homeowner
and a liability for selling a home. Cleaning the tank won't prevent all
types of system failures, but it will help prevent some. Other failures
are caused by not understanding the proper use of the system or poor
soil conditions and/or faulty design or installation. If you suspect a
system problem or failure, you should get an evaluation by a licensed
septic system professional. At the same time, District residents should
call QVHD and consult with a sanitarian. Remember, all repairs require
permits from this office.
THERE ARE MANY DO'S AND DON 'TS FOR SEPTIC “HEALTH”:
• Don't pour grease or fat into the system which can cause clogs.
• Be wary of chemical products advertised to “clean” your tank. They
don't work. This includes septic tank additives, cleansers, yeast, sugar
etc. These products are not necessary and may cause harm. When cleaning
clogged drains, try boiling water or a drain snake instead of caustic
drain chemicals.
• The Department of Environmental Protection, Pollution Prevention has
some alternatives to chemical cleansers for the household. For example,
try using baking soda on a wet sponge to clean the tub. For mineral
deposits, soak a cloth in vinegar and leave it on the deposit for about
an hour, then clean off. Use vinegar from a squeeze bottle under the rim
of the toilet. (For additional alternative cleansers, visit
www.dep.state.ct.us/wst/P2/individual/house.htm.)
• Don't use large quantities of water all at once (i.e. everyone
showers, then you do the week's laundry and run the dishwasher.) Space
out water usage for less stress on the system.
• Keep latex paint, varnishes, paint thinners, waste oil and other
similar products out of your system. These products can disrupt the
biological balance within your septic system.
• Your toilet is not a trashcan. Don't flush paper towels, sanitary
napkins, or disposable diapers down the toilet.
• Don't let heavy trucks or equipment drive over your tank or leaching
fields.
• Plant only grass over and near your system. Roots from trees or shrubs
can clog or damage the drainfields.
For a free packet of brochures on septic systems, District residents can
call QVHD 248-4528 or request on line,
www.qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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