Lake Martin Topics: Septic 101 as I remember it

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	Name:	Ulysses E. McGill -
	Subject:	Septic 101 as I remember it
	Date:	3/3/2010 8:51:32 PM

from my early years as a biology major.

Rid-x is basically a catalyst to a natural process and certainly will not hurt and may help. Septic systems are all about decomposition and water absorption. If the stuff you put in there decomposes properly, and the ground can handle the flow, a system can go for many years without any maintenance or pumping. The biggest enemies of a septic system are household chemicals (such as bleach) and trash (such as grease and garbage from a garbage disposal). These can overwhelm the natural decomposition process. Grease should always be avoided. If you use a garbage disposal or bleach regularly, a catalyst will help but you should still plan on pumping every 3-5 years. The best advice for a biologically healthy system is no grease, limited garbage, and little or no bleach (or other chemicals). Believe it or not, even the regular use of antibiotics (by associated humans) can upset the natural balance of a septic system.