The Dirty Truth About Septic Systems

Antibacterial soaps don't make any difference in a septic system. The amounts are too small. Even normal amounts of household bleach don't significantly impair the functioning of the septic tank. But they are right, don't put anything in your septic tank like chemicals, paints, strong acids, etc. They not only kill the bacteria and other microbes but can pollute groundwater.

So helpful! Thank you!

I've been told it's solids (sludge) on the bottom, effluent (to leach field) in the middle and scum (grease, farts & oils) on the top

So the septic is a giant stomach, the drain field is a giant intestine and the soil is a giant colon. LOL my poop is getting pooped out twice.

Sewerage is the septic man's bread and butter!

The instant you find a septic tank or any part of your system that's been built over top of, especially decks; Walk, no run away its trouble waiting to happen.

This is slightly misleading. The bacteria don't just eat the scum layer on top which is mainly soap scum hair creases and fats. Most human poop settles to the bottom of the tank to make the sludge layer. Anaerobic bacteria consume the sludge. Anaerobic means tgey don't need oxygen. As the bacteria eat the sludge it's waste becomes suspended in the water called effluent which gets displaced out to the drain field to soak away into the ground.

Learn how to audio level so that maybe you could be heard.

That should have been "fats" but still relevant;)

To be fair, these guys are talking about Septic Systems in California, and the State of California has different rules and regulations than many other states. In the State of New Hampshire, the Department of Environmental Services, commonly referred to as DES, is responsible for the approval of every Septic System, as well as enforcement of all environmental rules and regulations. As a result, a Septic System Design or Septic Plan, must be submitted to DES for approval before any Septic System can be installed. In fact, the state issues an Approval for Construction Certificate which is good for 90 days, and after the Septic System has been installed and passes inspection, DES will then issue an Approval for Operation Certificate, which means the system can be used. To be clear, without a STATE APPROVED SEPTIC PLAN and the Approval for Construction and Approval for Operation Certificates, the system is illegal. As a Licensed Septic System Evaluator who is usually hired by the Home Buyer, I expect the Seller(s) and or the Real Estate Agent representing the Seller (Listing Agent) to make sure all the documentation is available for the inspection appointment. Again, without all the appropriate paperwork from the state, I can not possibly assume the Septic System was installed legally. As a result, I frequently tell Home Buyers that I do not know the exact age of the system, size of the system, or if it's state approved. In fact, many homes built before 1967, were not required to have or even get approval from the state. This makes buying an older home very difficult unless the Septic System has been been replaced since 1967. Fortunately, most systems don't last 50 years, and have been upgraded to comply with current codes, but not always, which means many systems are not in compliance with today's environmental rules and regulations. This is why a Septic System Inspection is so important, and in my opinion, it's a good idea if a homeowner is even thinking about selling their house. Keep in mind, if you own a home near a lake, pond, river, stream, or even the ocean, the rules and regulations for a waterfront property are even more strict. As a matter of fact, the State of New Hampshire passed the Shoreline Protection Act back in 2008, and most waterfront homes built before 2008 are not in compliance with those rules and regulations. The bottom line is all Home Buyers need to be very careful when purchasing a home near a body of water, and unfortunately, many Home Sellers are not aware of the changes in environmental rules and regulations that pertain to shoreline properties. I've even encountered Real Estate Agents that don't know anything about the Shoreline Protection Act of 2008, or the environmental rules and regulations for waterfront properties. So, you can't necessarily depend on your realtor to give you the information that you need... buyer's should educate themselves regarding the rules and regulations for Residential Septic Systems in the area where they wish to purchase a home.

Now I don't know what to do ! I found a12 year old home I'd like to buy!!!! it's on 3 acres, has a septic, with a SEPTIC LAGOON,,, can't find much on them, please help, is that a big problem ?? thanks

Just flush a quart of yogurt down there every few weeks...

and just like that bob's your uncle! if only it were that easy! If your drain field is damaged on a grandfathered system you're in for a rude awakening. Have it inspected and find someone that can fix it and hope that they do it instead of making you go through the county. Cause if that happens you're looking at 20-40k! It's not like you can just only flush tp down your toilet, have your septic system pumped, and it's all good forever! This video didn't even scratch the surface of the reality of these nightmare systems burdened on home owners.