Just Moved In? How Previous Owners Affect Your Septic System

How Septic Systems Work

Before you can detect the impact of the previous owner on the septic system, familiarizing yourself with how it works is crucial.  Wastewater from your home collects in the tank for separation, allowing liquid effluent to reach a specific level before it flows into the drain field. If the solids at the bottom and the scum at the top overwhelm the system, a professional septic pumping may be needed to avoid costly and messy damage.

Once the liquid effluent enters the drain field, it is filtered through gravel before being released into the soil. If this process is obstructed in any way, the impact for your home and the environment can be devastating. Additionally, simple systems rely on beneficial bacteria to break down waste, which require a healthy environment to ensure the process runs smoothly.

How Previous Owners Affect Your Septic System

Although home inspections are crucial before closing any deal, the current condition of your wastewater system is a crucial consideration. Even if everything is functioning as expected, wear and damage from previous owners can still be a problem. Let’s delve into the ways previous owners can still affect your septic system to ensure you make informed decisions.

Treating the Septic System Like a Trash Can

Septic systems are designed to handle human waste and toilet paper. If the previous owner disposed of every household waste down the toilet and drains, it can lead to disasters in the future. This is particularly true for non-biodegradable waste, which accumulates and overwhelms the tank, causing inefficiency and frequent septic pumping. If you do not want any surprises, prioritize routine inspections with a reputable septic service to ensure early detection and intervention.

Excessive Use of Harsh Chemicals

As mentioned, septic systems rely on beneficial bacteria to break down waste. If the ecosystem in the tank is not balanced, it can affect performance and cause solid buildup. Chemical cleaners are common products in households that can cause an imbalance in the tank, destroying the beneficial bacteria if used excessively. Besides cleaning products, disposing of gasoline, lawn treatment, and paint thinners can also have a similar effect. It is essential to consult a trusted septic company for advice on suitable additives to restore healthy bacteria in the system.