Septic tank maintenance

How salt can block a seepage pit

This article will cover how salt can block a seepage pit. Imagine how an entire organization would function without affiliate companies that help it acquire its every need. Even large corporations need help from small businesses so that a task could be fulfilled. In your own home, you have appliances and minor systems that help it become a functional living environment. You have the electrical system, the gas pipes, the HVAC system, the plumbing system, and of course, the septic system. The conventional septic system is responsible for treating your wastewater. It has a septic tank that collects and pre-treats the raw wastewater. It has anaerobic bacteria that breakdown the solid waste particles so that clear effluent could enter the drain field safely. To help the septic system become more efficient in treating your wastewater, you can ask your septic expert to install a seepage pit.

The seepage pit is a hole in the ground that catches the clear pre-treated effluent. This is composed of both greywater and blackwater. Greywater is wastewater that comes from drains, showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Blackwater is wastewater that comes from the toilet. The seepage pit takes only the liquid or the pre-treated effluent from the septic tank. It has bio-mat that purifies the effluent so that it could be released into the surrounding soil totally pathogen- and toxin-free. Because it is part of the septic system, the seepage pit also suffers from common problems such as blockage. Blockage or clogging can happen because of several factors:

  • Non-biodegradable materials. These substances cannot be broken down by the resident anaerobic bacteria. They just stay in there and accumulate until they are pushed into the seepage pit. They ultimately clog the seepage pit and the entire system.
  • Invasive tree roots. Trees use their roots to access the water and nutrients from the septic system. The roots slowly grow into the seepage pit until they form a root wall that blocks the flow of wastewater.
  • Soil compaction. This happens when the structures and vehicles over the seepage pit crush its vital components. It ends up clogged because of the damage and the sediments that enter it.
  • Inadequate pump outs. Pumping out the septic tank is important to eliminate the sludge accumulation. You should always get rid of the sludge so that there can be more room for wastewater treatment. If you don’t adhere to the pump out schedule you have arranged with your septic expert, the sludge will build up in the tank. It will then be pushed into the seepage pit.
  • Salt accumulation. The usual problem among households is hard water. Hard water is composed of calcium and magnesium. It makes it difficult for detergents or soaps to lather up. In effect, you do not finish your washing tasks on time because you are not able to eliminate grime and dirt. You also use more soap and more water in performing your chores. Your budget for soap and everything else is ruined.
  • There are experts who believe that salt actually improves the percolation rate of the soil. However, there is strong evidence that salt is harmful to the septic system and to the seepage pit. Salt has always been used as a preservative that kills bacteria so that organic substances can last longer. It has also been established that freshwater organisms cannot survive in saltwater environments. This is applicable to your septic system if excessive salt from water softeners is incorporated into the tank, the bacteria will be killed. Then, there will be no wastewater treatment. The septic tank will be filled with solid waste particles. Eventually, these particles will be pushed into the seepage pit, clogging it and the entire septic.
  • If you know how salt can block a seepage pit, you will be able to maximize the benefits you get from your water softeners. Make sure to talk to your septic expert. They could incorporate special additives that will help minimize the effects of salt in your septic system to make sure your septic lasts for decades more.

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