Beyond The Flush RSS

Hydrated lime is not all it’s chalked up to be. It may seem like a simple fix for outhouse odour, but because it is highly alkaline, it can disrupt the biological activity that helps control odour and break down solids in the pit.

Can roadkill, yogurt, or dead mice help start up a septic system? Please don’t. Your septic system needs healthy microbial activity, but it needs the right beneficial bacteria for the job. Random organic matter can add more burden to the tank instead of helping it work better.

Should toilet paper go into an outhouse pit? Yes. Toilet paper is sanitary waste, adds carbon, and can support better breakdown in the pit.

More water does not mean a cleaner septic system. Adding extra water can create more wastewater, disturb the settling process inside the tank, and add stress to the drain field. One drop in means one drop out — so water use matters.

Lush green stripes on your leaching bed may look healthy, but they can be a warning sign. In this Septic Superstitions post, we explain why green stripes may be your septic system’s way of asking for help.