"Ralph Mowery" wrote in message
nk.net...

wrote in message
...
After living with city sewer systems for 75+ years we now are "proud
owners" of a septic system and about to be two systems. New
woodshop/garage will have half bath and sink for cleanup on a septic.
Have read don'ts like using bleach down the sink that will kill off
the critters that make septics work and some other tips but would
really like to go to a comprehensive site for more info. Does one
exist? Shortly after moving in a phone solicitor asserted we HAD TO
use their product monthly or we'd ...! Our DIL uses something monthly
but I question 3-5 ounces down the drain into a 1,000-1,500 gallon
tank having a significant impact. Permit for new septic notes that
1,500 gallon system is required for disposal houses. Previous owner
apparently had a disposal as a switch near the sink doesn't connect to
anything and wires under the sink terminate in wire nuts. Our house
septic is 1,000 gallons. Observations welcomed.

One thing you don't really want to put down the drain is food scraps. The
food will take a long time to breakdown in the tank. This will just fill
up the tank and it will require it to be pumped out . Much of the solid
waste will desolve and breakdown into a liquid form and go out the pipes
to the ground.



I agree, you certainly do not want a garbage disposal on your sink when it
is going in to a septic system. The most important thing is to keep solids
from getting into the field. Pump your tank at least every 2 years, or even
every year if you are a freak/worry wort like me, and make sure they inspect
the tank baffles when empty. The baffles help prevent the solids from the
tank entering the field. Also, make sure you don't let weeds/vines/trees
grow in your field. The roots wreck havoc on it. It's also a good idea to
avoid driving over the field, at least with large trucks, especially during
any mud seasons. I'd also be careful with solvents/chemicals going into the
drains in the new woodshop/garage facility. There is a good book called
"The Septic System Owner's Manual", I'm sure if you do a search for that
title at your favorite book vendor you'll find it. Authors are Lloyd Kahn,
Blair Allen, & Julie Jones.

Here's some web resources for you:

http://www.montana.edu/wwwpb/pubs/mt9403.html

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infsep/infsep.shtm


Hope this helps!