water softner and septic systems
#1
10-12-08, 05:03 PM
water softner and septic systems
Hi All,
My water softner drains into a crock, which a subpump then pumps it into our main line to our septic system. I've had different people tell me this fine and some say that it will hurt our tanks and baffles? Should I rerout the water softner somewhere else?
Thanks,
Todd
My water softner drains into a crock, which a subpump then pumps it into our main line to our septic system. I've had different people tell me this fine and some say that it will hurt our tanks and baffles? Should I rerout the water softner somewhere else?
Thanks,
Todd
#2
10-12-08, 06:37 PM
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Its not a good idea to do that. It can put an undo strain on the system. If you have leach lines. It can cause premature failure. Some that I have seen on small lots, do go into the septic. But they have no other place for it to go.
They do have to have there system pumped out and cleaned more often than most. If you have another place for that water to go. I would move it out of the septic system.
Travis
They do have to have there system pumped out and cleaned more often than most. If you have another place for that water to go. I would move it out of the septic system.
Travis
#3
10-13-08, 09:26 AM
Over the last 30 years the EPA has twice done research on this subject and says that if there is any change in a tank's operation, it is a slight improvement due the to additional water.
That research has led a number of states to remove their ban against softener discharge into a septic system. There are very few states that still have a ban; MA and CT are examples.
Some people believe, incorrectly, that salt water will kill the bacteria or, the salt will ruin the concrete, or the 'extra' water will cause problems. None of that is true, the oceans are very salty and bacteria thrives, and sea walls are made of concrete.
In this case, I would be concerned if the sump is used for more than just the softener, like removing water from a basement. That would be too much water but, a softener usually doesn't use more water than a large load of laundry or large tub bath. And if you had another child or two, that 'extra' water wouldn't be a problem, and a softener doesn't add near as much water as another person in the household.
For the last 5-6 decades, millions of softeners have discharged into septic tanks without problems. If you put the water on or in the ground you pollute the groundwater and kill vegetation.
That research has led a number of states to remove their ban against softener discharge into a septic system. There are very few states that still have a ban; MA and CT are examples.
Some people believe, incorrectly, that salt water will kill the bacteria or, the salt will ruin the concrete, or the 'extra' water will cause problems. None of that is true, the oceans are very salty and bacteria thrives, and sea walls are made of concrete.
In this case, I would be concerned if the sump is used for more than just the softener, like removing water from a basement. That would be too much water but, a softener usually doesn't use more water than a large load of laundry or large tub bath. And if you had another child or two, that 'extra' water wouldn't be a problem, and a softener doesn't add near as much water as another person in the household.
For the last 5-6 decades, millions of softeners have discharged into septic tanks without problems. If you put the water on or in the ground you pollute the groundwater and kill vegetation.
#4
10-13-08, 01:33 PM
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The use of salt water in concrete, does not effect the cement, but it does rust the re bar that is in the concrete. In turn, it does shorten the life of the concrete. And will cause cracks, possible failure. Fact.
The extra use of water from the a/c or softener in a septic system will shorten the life of the septic. Being field lines or spray field. I don't know what studies you are reading, but I am stating from real life. I see it every day, in all types of septics. Fact.
In some parts of the country where the septic just runs to the ditch. You are right, there is no effect of the system. Fact.
Travis
The extra use of water from the a/c or softener in a septic system will shorten the life of the septic. Being field lines or spray field. I don't know what studies you are reading, but I am stating from real life. I see it every day, in all types of septics. Fact.
In some parts of the country where the septic just runs to the ditch. You are right, there is no effect of the system. Fact.
Travis
