Dumping black tank into septic system

[JUS1MO]

We live in the country where there is no sewer system except a septic tank. We have used this septic system for 30 years and only had it pumped out once. Everything goes in there with no problems so far. You will certainly be ok I would say.

[Scottybdivin]

That's right. They really encourage the use of low pressure dosage at least. They (LCRA) even argued with me that I should install a LPD system. I told them I preferred the use of gravity instead of a pump. That was 20 years ago.

[oldmattb]

Originally Posted by wingnut60

oldmattb,

"All in all, putting bad stuff in his toilet cost him over $50K."

You did not say what he put in the septic to ruin it? What did he do to it?

I would venture that it was age that ruined it, not what went in there--and, yes, TX has some newer regs that almost negate the possible use of a regular leach field, especially near a lake--kinda makes sense, eh? Aerobic systems are now mostly required if a standard one fails, and it is a very expensive system replacement.

So, he decided to get a lot across the street? Wouldn't that require a septic also?

I live in a rural house with a standard leach field--it is actually 24 years old and handles all household liquid wastes just fine. And I used a FloJet to dump our fiver for 3 months while remodeling before moving into the house 9 years ago--never a problem except for a pumpout about every 4 years.

Just wondering what you based your statement on...

I based my statement on his voiced regret for not taking better care of his septic system. We lived just around the corner, and our system had no issues. Most of the nearby homes had 15-20 year old systems that were working fine. Had our system failed, we did have enough area on our property to have a drip system installed - about $15K at the time.

About his lot - I didn't make my explanation clear. TRA refused to allow a replacement system on his property. His only recourse (and he was lucky) was to buy a vacant lot across the street, to gain enough leach field to accommodate a system. The lot was bought entirely to get leach field. (He did add a garage later.)

The new system pumped the house sewage uphill and under the street, to a new drip system on the new lot.

I am not at all against dumping the RV into the home septic system. I am against flushing bleach, formaldehyde, unused antibiotics, excessive dishwasher and laundry powder, paint, feminine products, questionable wipes...

Matt B

[MRUSA14]

Septic systems are fine if you observe the following rules: Don't put anything except toilet paper into the toilet unless you have eaten it first! This includes chemicals such as formaldehyde, bleach, etc. Occasional RV tank emptying will be no problem if you are observing the rule above. That means no RV chemicals. I use none whatsoever in my RV and have no odors or tank problems. I dump the RV into my septic when returning from a trip with zero problems.

[MSHappyCampers]

RayDK obviously knows what he is talking about!

[MTK46]

I've been dumping into my septic tank for ten years now. Never had a problem Fact is my septic has never needed to be pumped. I'm on five acres in the desert. My leach line goes out about 50' from the tank. I have in-laws that stay in our RV for a couple of months each year & still no problem.