Can the microbes that digest effluent bacteria be damaged by household practices?
When toxic substances are poured down the household drains, microbes that digest the effluent may be killed off, threatening the viabilityof the septic system. Additionally, the microbes do not break down the toxic substance, leaving it to leach out into our ground and surface waters. It is best to dispose of unwanted cleaners and chemicals at Wilton’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day. A second risk to the long-term health of the septic system is the burden of solids on the system. Solids will settle in the septic tank, however, if the tank is not pumped out every three to five years, solids can get pushed into the leaching fields and clog them. This type of failure can result in effluent surfacing near the leaching fields. Worse yet, the abundance of solids in the tank can clog its outlet, forcing effluent to back up into the house. Best management practices for septic maintenance begin with limiting what goes down the drain. Utilize Wilton’s Household Hazardous Waste c
