What should I avoid/use with my septic system and well water?

Linda
by Linda
My husband and I recently purchased a home that has a septic system and well water. We have installed a water treatment system, but we are still getting some rust stains. We have never before had a septic system, and I don't know what I should avoid or use to make it work properly.

  7 answers
  • Noiles Yvonne Noiles Yvonne on Aug 14, 2017

    You can put yeast powder or cakes in your toilet That will eat some of the bacteria to make it function better. Also have it pumped periodically. And never ever put any form of grease in the drains.

  • Peg Peg on Aug 14, 2017

    You may want to consider installing a filter system for your well.

  • Sylvia Parke Sylvia Parke on Aug 14, 2017

    We installed a filter for our well and used yeast too. There are products made to keep your septic system in good condition. Find paper products that are ok to flush and I totally agree with Yvonne, avoid grease going down the drain.

  • Linda Linda on Aug 14, 2017

    My sister said I can only use Scott toilet paper-yuck! I prefer Charmin. Is that an issue?

  • William Weber William Weber on Aug 14, 2017

    Linda, your Charmin will work OK. It brakes downs just like the others.

  • Sharon Sharon on Aug 14, 2017

    You want to make sure you use toliet paper for septic system, no tampons, no dry laundry soap, no bleach, no draino, check all household and personal care products are septic safe, and monthly put in an enzyme additive.

    Heres' a great article... https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system and http://inspectapedia.com/septic/Dont_Flush.php

    This is hands down the best products I've used in 50 years. You need to add some bacteria microbes monthly. I use Root Killer in spring and in rainy season if toliet is draining slow. https://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keyword s=roebic+septic+tank+treatment&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=182244590147&hvpos=1t4&hvne tw=g&hvrand=10971761661683809999&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9033057&hvtargid=kwd-2174828042&ref=pd_sl_4f4qwxtl94_b_p19

    Toliet paper like Scott Rapid Dissolving, Angel Soft, Cottonelle Ultra Comfort Care, Charmin are rated safe.

    Seventh Generation laundry soap and dishwasher gel are good and in supermarkets.

    Shampoo: Dr. Bonners Castile Shampoo and soap

    Have someone show you how to restart your pump and check water level. Take a water bottle to prime and a flashlight to see when you check. Put a light in there if you don't have one. Keep a couple 50 gal emergency water bottles full in your garage just in case. Get your well water tested once a year.