Since we are new to having a septic tank, we are learning the ropes as they say.
Recently, the company that installed the system came out to do what they call a "Septic 101" meeting and went over everything with us. What to do, what not to do, how everything worked, early warning signs for issues, maintenance, etc. It was great.
One thing they suggested getting was a sewer popper cleanout and relief valve.
This is what a standard cap looks like, what it came with, this screw on cap. It's access to the system to clean out clogs, etc. What happens is if the sewage ever does back up, it goes to here but then it reaches a screwed on cap, can't escape and keeps flowing...INTO the house via the toilets etc. Those are the horror stories you hear about sewage backing up into a house, destroying floors, tile, walls, etc.
So, he recommended this. It is a sewer pop up protection device. They have several different styles, we bought THIS ONE ON AMAZON.
You can read the details on the instructions above on how it works, how to install etc, but here are some photos of the process and how it works.
First, you unscrew the regular cap...
Then you screw this piece on. This is it sitting on a hard surface so you can kind of see how it works. The center piece is just sitting inside, not attached to anything and will pop up like this in the event of a sewer back up.
Here it is in place! Super easy, took about 5 minutes (if that) to install. How it works is really just the laws of physics. If sewage ever starts to back up, it will flow backwards and up into here because of pressure. But instead of it meeting resistance with the previous, screwed-on cap and heading further up the line into the house (the direction of least resistance), this little valve pops up and out and the sewage will flow out of this (outside) instead of into the house. Sure, it's a mess outside if that happens but better outside than INSIDE!
Pretty cool little fix and DEFINITELY worth the peace of mind.
I have an alarm in my house that is hooked up to a sump pump that somehow monitors the tank. If there's ever a problem, the alarm will go off, I guess. So far, so good. I did discover that I have two septic tanks. All of this had been installed when I bought the place. I don't have a clue why there are two tanks. I guess one is a backup just in case.
ReplyDeleteIf you are familiar with Shrek the loveable ogre ... upon passing gas, he states: "better out than in!" The same goes for your septic system!
ReplyDeleteVery good advice from the septic tank company. And what an easy preventive measure for a potential big problem.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the city and we never, ever thought about what cleaning products, soaps, detergents, toilet paper we used or what we put down the dispoal/drain. We learned the hard way when we moved into septic country. Big no-no = Bleach. It kills all the good bacteria in your septic system. Think of the system as a living organism and you'll be just fine.
ReplyDeleteWe never had our septic back- up but it's best to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteBesides No bleach, NO table scraps, of any sorts either, no matter how small the scraps.
When buying toilet paper; make sure it says 'septic safe' on the package. Some brands will break down while others won't, and that is why so many people who live in town, their toilets are backing up; due to using the wrong toilet paper.
We buy a package of bacteria tablets from our septic company (12 tablets in a package) 1 tablet to drop in and flush the toilet each month)
Once you flush a tablet down the toilet; you DO NOT let any water to go down the drain for a few hours. Flush and walk way and remember, No water down the drains, also means no flushing the toilet during this time.
I will drop in a tablet when we go to bed or before we leave for town to run errands, etc. The tablet has to set in the tank for at least 3 hours or more so that it does it's thing.
You both take care, stay safe and stay healthy.
Blessings
We're on a septic system. I got a lot of good information here.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea why but the arrival of the truck to pump out the sewage tank seems to require the men in the neighbourhood to congregate and stand around with hands in pockets watching the progress.
ReplyDelete