Should I be thankful that I have a septic system or not?

@Neoerectus
My parents have a septic system on their farm where my sisters and I grew up and that system was installed in the early 1970's.

To this day, their septic system has NEVER been pumped out nor has it ever stopped functioning, which mean that pumping out a septic tank every couple of years is totally unwarranted.

When you pump out the tank, you destroy the natural eco system that exists within the tank.

The only time a tank is pumped out is if it QUITS working because bleach or other chemicals were used to clean toilets and showers etc, which means bleach cannot ever be used in households that use a septic system.

Using bacteria packets flushed into the toilet once a month is also required for best operating results as you've suggested.

@swirlie It was pumped at buying 5 years ago.

The previous one took 10 years , but that was from the previous owner.

Solids do build up, but can be managed with common sense. I have plans to divert bath and wash water to a filtering system for watering lawn, etc. to reduce soaps.

@Neoerectus
I think by-laws are different from one place to another when it comes to household sewage waste. Where my parent's farm is located, the local building code states that ALL household water-waste must end up in the septic tank, regardless of their source (sink, shower, laundry and of course toilet).

Before you divert your bath and wash water to a filtering system, make sure you aren't violating 'code', otherwise this could present itself as a real issue for you down the road.

The thing is, any water that comes in contact with the human body such as from showers and sinks, is considered sewage water, not waste water in some districts, depending on the soil composition of the land and the level of the water table beneath the surface.

The only real waste water than you need to divert away from the septic system if you can, is laundry water and kitchen sink/dishwasher waste water. Those two sources contain soap and often bleach will will kill the action of a septic system.

@swirlie Yeah I know all that. Been around the block quite a few times.