Question:

Given your recent column arguing it is unnecessary to run perforated pipe the entire length of a trench, why do states still require installers continue this practice?

Answer:

For whatever reason, some rules that should be changed take a long time to get changed. I think this is particularly true with state regulations. If installers ask enough questions about these regulations, the process of change may be made faster.

Hopefully, my columns in Pumper will be read by staff members at state regulatory agencies. They may possibly conduct some basic tests as I did, which will show trenches do not require a 4-inch perforated pipe.

Another change I have been recommending for years is to use distribution boxes only on relatively flat areas. The distribution box should not be used on sloping land if the elevation of the trenches is lower than the outlet of the distribution box. I based this conclusion on the results of a major study by the Federal Housing Authority. This is a published scientific report available to the onsite industry.

Many years ago, I learned about drop boxes and sequential distribution from my friend Bill Mellen. I was able to incorporate the use of drop boxes and sequential distribution in the Individual Sewage System State Code for Minnesota. It is my understanding some states are also now using sequential distribution.

Companies in the onsite industry have manufactured distribution boxes for many years. Many of them promote the use of these distribution boxes. You will see models of operating distribution boxes at onsite sewage system trade shows.

There have been detailed studies by university laboratories showing it is hydraulically impossible to achieve equal distribution in a container as small as a distribution box.

The claim of manufacturers that there is equal distribution by distribution boxes ignores the important fact: The capacity to treat sewage tank effluent is not equal in adjacent trenches because of soil and construction variations.

Distribution boxes have been incorrectly used for many years and major manufacturers in the onsite industry still promote them, so change will likely be slow in coming.

I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to devote my full professional time to onsite sewage treatment. I had the time and opportunity to study research reports about the various aspects of onsite sewage treatment. I worked with installers learning about current onsite practices. I worked with local regulators to learn which regulations made sense and which ones didn’t. I also performed some basic onsite research at the University of Minnesota with soil scientist Jim Anderson.

Unfortunately, most states do not employ personnel to work full time with the onsite industry. When and if this happens, I believe more necessary technical changes will be made to state onsite codes.

Question:

A septic tank additive company recently called to tell me their product required strengthening because toilet paper companies have been adding synthetics and glues to the toilet paper, hindering decomposition in the tank. They said the price for the additive would be rising as a result. I looked online but could not find anything about this. Do you know if this toilet paper glue problem is true?

Answer:

I contacted Kimberly-Clark Co., a major manufacturer of paper products, including toilet paper. Following is the response from Kimberly-Clark just the way I received it:

“In answer to your inquiry, Scott bathroom tissue is made of 100-percent virgin wood pulp. Any adhesives used in the manufacturing process are water soluble and flushable. Our commercial products have been tested to ensure that they are flushable and safe for sewer and septic systems. Scott has passed those tests and is safe to flush without any additional chemicals needed.’’

Apparently you have been using an additive and the message you received from the company was their attempt to sell you more of their product at a much higher price. Do you know if using their product has even been beneficial to your septic system?

As I have written in many of my columns, I believe there is a question as to the effectiveness of most additives to septic tanks. Generally, the periodic pumping and cleaning of the septic tank to remove accumulated solids is all that is necessary.

Unfortunately, many homeowners neglect a basic maintenance program. When sewage surfaces or backs up into their home, a natural reaction is to add something to the system to make it work. And there is a lot of advertising, even on national TV, to promote such a practice by homeowners.

I have heard reports from septic service companies of instances where medicines used for certain physical ailments tend to be bad for septic tank anaerobic bacteria. The use of anti-bacterial soaps also has a negative effect on all bacteria, including those in the septic tank.

My suggestion is to discontinue the use of additives. After a time, have your septic tank pumped and cleaned. Ask the pumping professional if the tank is working properly. If the answer is “Yes,” do not place any additives in the system.