SEPTIC MAINTENANCE GUIDE
What Can Harm Your Septic Tank?
Your septic tank holds back solids so they don’t reach the drainfield and gives naturally occurring bacteria time to break down some of the waste. What goes down your drains affects both jobs.
What’s happening inside your septic tank?
White flakes and crumbling concrete
During service, we sometimes find a white, flaky coating that comes off easily, with soft, crumbling concrete underneath. We sometimes find similar material on the effluent filter, too.
One possible cause is sulfuric acid corrosion. As waste breaks down, it can release hydrogen sulfide, the gas that can smell like rotten eggs. On damp concrete above the waterline, certain bacteria can turn that gas into sulfuric acid. The acid attacks the concrete and can leave behind a soft white mineral layer called gypsum. Loose material can collect on the filter. Flakes on the filter alone don’t tell us where they came from, but flakes over crumbling concrete are a reason to check the tank, lid, and any concrete distribution box. Concrete corrosion research · Septic Gases Guide
A concrete distribution box, or D-box, can also deteriorate while the tank is still sound. It splits wastewater among the drainfield lines. If the box crumbles or shifts out of level, one line can get more flow than it can handle. Distribution box guidance
A rotten-egg smell alone doesn’t tell you whether the concrete is damaged. If a lid looks cracked, loose, or sunken, keep people and pets away and call a septic professional. Leave the lid closed.
Where phosphorus fits in
White flakes and crumbling concrete point to possible corrosion. They don’t tell you how much phosphorus is in the tank. Phosphorus is a nutrient that enters with normal household wastewater, including human waste. Some dishwasher detergents, laundry boosters, and heavy-duty cleaners can add more. Some phosphorus stays with the solids, while some travels out with the liquid wastewater. EPA guide to protecting nearby water · Wastewater sources and treatment guidance
To reduce what you send into the system, look for phosphate-free cleaners and detergents. Product formulas vary, so check the ingredient list for names such as sodium tripolyphosphate or trisodium phosphate (TSP). Pumping removes accumulated solids and some of the phosphorus held in them. If phosphorus is a concern at your property, ask a septic professional or your local health department whether your system needs additional treatment. EPA guide to reducing nutrient pollution at home · EPA septic tank additives fact sheet
What can harm the helpful bacteria?
Large amounts of bleach or disinfectant, along with solvents, paint thinner, pesticides, and harsh drain cleaners, can disrupt the bacteria that help break down waste. Use ordinary household cleaners as directed, and keep leftover concentrates and hazardous chemicals out of sinks and toilets. EPA septic care guide · Household septic maintenance guidance
Grease, wipes, and other materials that don’t break down easily can build up or clog the system even when the bacteria are working normally. Regular inspection, pumping when needed, and filter cleaning help keep those solids from reaching the drainfield. Effluent Filter Guide
Seeing cracks, slow drains, an alarm, or wet ground near your drainfield? Call Moore’s Septic Services at 740-415-7760. Tell us what you’re seeing and we’ll help you decide what to have checked.