Green Tip #1 - Maintaining Your Septic Tank Without Chemicals

Once you get to know me and the topics of which I write, you will discover I bring you tips for living green that not only preserve the environment, but save you money. I'm big on "going green" in every sense of the word. So now that you know what I'm about, I'd like to help you with your septic system. And believe you me, they were hard lessons learned!

Once a month, perhaps on the same schedule as replacing your A/C filter, flush the contents of one 1/4 oz packet of active dry yeast down the toilet closest to your main line. The yeast activates enzymes and promotes the "good" bacteria necessary for your septic to eat away what is being deposited in the tank. Dry yeast can be found in the baking section of your grocery store, in the flour isle; usually found on the top shelf.

One 3 packet strip costs about $1.99 (depending on gas prices, that is!). That gives you 3 months of treatment! So, for about $0.66 a month you can keep your septic system operating the way it should, eliminating non-scheduled tank pumps. It is recommended to have your tank pumped every three years. I found that out the hard way, too, never having lived in a home with a septic tank until I moved to Florida and bought my home! Sheesh! Ignorance is definitely NOT bliss!!

Another tip I'd like to share is how to keep your septic mainline clear. Although I use septic safe toilet paper, my bathroom is closest to the mainline and I'm a "wadder", not a "folder"!

After paying my plumber $150 on a week night to clear my mainline after my toilet and shower backed up, he gave me this tip:

Once a month (yes, our septic systems insist on our attention at least monthly!), fill a gallon jug with 50% scalding water and 50% white distilled vinegar. Before going to bed, pour the contents down the toilet closest to the mainline and flush. Flush again in the morning. The hot water and vinegar will break loose any blockage and "melt" any grease that may have made it's way through the pipes. (BTW, if you are on septic, do not use your garbage disposal! Throw meat scraps in the garbage can and any vegetable scraps in your compost bin. And never, ever throw grease into the garbage disposal! It is not biodegradable and clogs up the main line!!)

A gallon jug of white distilled vinegar cost roughly $3.49. That gives you 2 months of tender loving care for your mainline!

Please take these tips to heart. I learned them the hard way after spending thousands of dollars on drain field rejuvination, which doesn't work, and mainline replacement. Had I been educated, I could have saved a whole lot of money! I hope these tips prevent you from making the same mistakes as I!