Septi-Flow Shock Application Instructions

Treatment for Septic Tank/Drain Field

For Slow or Sluggish Drain Fields/Septic Tanks:

Start with 3 gallons of product. Use 1 gallon of the product via the toilet, sink, or drain closest to the septic system outlet. Next, Apply 1 gallon of product into the drain field soil directly. After 1 week, add another 1 gallon. Flush freely with water to distribute it throughout the septic system drain field.

For Drain Field and Leach Field Maintenance:

Use 1 gallon every 6 months via the toilet or nearest drain closest to the septic tank.

Restoring Failed Drain Fields or Leach Systems:

Start with 5 gallons of product. Apply a minimum of 3-4 gallons of product directly to the drain field soil. Apply the last 1-2 gallons via the distribution box/cleanout or septic tank opening. Try draining as much excess water as possible before treatment for waterlogged systems. Use a hose and add 40-80 gallons of water to the distribution box with the product to ensure it makes it through the entire drain field system. If you can not access the distribution or "D-Box," adding additional product via the toilet or sink may be necessary.

Basic Septic Tank and System Information

Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual and small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state and local responsibility. The EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic tanks to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality.   

You are not alone if your septic tank failed or you know someone who did. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and help maintain your home investment. Failing septic systems can contaminate the groundwater you and your neighbors drink and pollute nearby rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Ten Steps to Keep Your Septic Tank and System Working Properly:

1. Locate your septic tank and drain field. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.

2. Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.

3. Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.

4. Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.

5. Use water efficiently.

6. Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drain field.

7. Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.

8. Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.

9. Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.

10. Ensure your drain field drains away from your home and that there is no standing water on the area.

A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drain field, and the soil. Microbes in the soil digest and remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge) and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows the partial decomposition of solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drain field area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drain field. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drain field for further treatment by the soil. The soil's microorganisms provide the final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses, and nutrients.

 

Your Septic Tank is Your Responsibility

• Use bacteria and enzymes to help with septic system maintenance. Also, use a septic system product that can help soap-laden, clogged soil and clay flow freely again. Soaps and detergents from household use eventually clog the surrounding soil and clay, stopping septic field flow. Even pumping the tank will not free these clogged drain field lines.

• Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain field.

• Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic tank system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drain field or damage the pipes, the tank, or other septic system components.

• Keep roof, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater and surface water drainage systems away from the drain field. Flooding the drain field with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up. 

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