My house was built 25 years ago, and apparently the septic system has an 800 gallon tank. I have the tank pumped out every three years. Last time there wasn't much solid matter, but there was a crust on top. Is this normal or worrying? I used to put a commercial product down but after hearing you one morning, I have switched to yeast. How much should I be putting in? Will the system perform better if I put lots of water down or less water?
Answer:
Actually, if you're going to pump the septic every three years, you might almost as well have a holding tank. I see little point in pumping it any more often than every ten years but, I make sure there are only biodegradables flushed down it (no bacon drippings, fat, grease, or the like). Your tank is the right size for that size of structure but with only two of you living there, you might drop a package of yeast in every two months.
