Septic Tank/water changes

[APFish]

Has anyone given this any thought. In our new/old house, we are on septic tank. I would like to just dump my wc down the drain but am concerned about the septic tank and all of its balance. Any thoughts?

Rob

 

[cee]

I'm on septic and dump mine on the driveway and let it evaporate. I was concerned about the salt killing the bacteria, although with a 1000 gallon tank, I doubt 20 gallons would make much of a difference. However, replacing a septic system is expensive and not worth the risk, IMO.

Dave

 

[APFish]

Yeah, that was kind of my thoughts. I guess I could use it to kill weeds in the drive. It just is a long walk down there when the bathroom is just across the hall.

Rob

 

[spjeff69]

Does it kill grass?

 

[boodwah]

Yes, it does kill grass. And the salt builds up in septic tanks. I pour mine down the driveway also. I used to pour it out the back door until my grass started turning a dull dark green and growing real slow where I poured it. It has since recovered, but it was on it's way to dying.

 

[gflat65]

I dump it over my back deck (just outside the door). It keeps the weeds down to a bare minimum underneath, so no need to weed eat.

 

[Pickupman66]

Saltwater will Kill bacteria in septic. DONT DO IT> it will also kill grass too if you get it too concentrated in one area.

 

[TitansFan]

Im sure it kills some bacteria but how much? Septic tanks range from 1500 gallons and up for houses. Toilet flushes cost you 5 gallons a piece. Showers cost you a minimum of 2.5 gallons a minute (how long are your showers?) Thats quite abit of dilution of freshwater daily. How much will the sg change?
I guess in the end it would depend on how much salt water you are putting down. A few gallons, will it really matter with a 1500+ gallon septic tank and all that dilution sent down daily? I have been dumping salt water for 2 years into this houses septic. No problems yet.

 

[boodwah]

Salt does not break down in your septic tank. All of the organic compounds break down in your tank. The salt will continue to stay there except for the amount that remains in the water and flows out into your field bed. I might be wrong but I suspect that over time as the salt concentration increases the bacteria will slowly die off and you will have to have your tank pumped.

But then again it does survive the bleach and detergents we drop in out of our washing machines.

 

[rcmike]

One thing you might not be considering is there is saltwater bacteria too. Just a thought, I am no expert on septic tanks.

 

[Pickupman66]

OK.. so I had to Google this. the salt will clog soil pores and cause backup of the system. their main discussion was in regards to the brine produced by water softeners. Google it yourself if you wish

 

[cee]

Hmmm, I found several that indicated just the opposite, such as:

Several studies, including ones from the University of Wisconsin and the National Sanitation Foundation indicate that when the sodium content from the softener regeneration cycle is discharged into the soil via a septic system along with other salts such as calcium, magnesium, and iron, the result is an improvement in the soil's percolation rather than a detriment.

Also, another indicated a small amount of salt was beneficial for the bacteria, actually causing them to work more efficiently. Perhaps I'll have to rethink where to dump my water...

Dave

 

[rcmike]

I would say a lot would depend on the type of soil also.