When working on a tank be sure the area is well ventilated and that someone is standing nearby. To facilitate future cleaning and inspection, install risers from the central manhole and inspection ports to the surface before burying the tank Also mark the location of the tank, so it can be easily identified. Summary The septic tank is only one part of an on-site wastewater system. It is designed to remove solids prior to the effluent entering the soil absorption field, provide for the digestion of a portion of those solids, and store the remaining solids. Biological and chemical additives are not needed to aid or accelerate decomposition.
Garbage grinders impose an additional solids load on the system.
Solids must be removed periodically to prevent them from entering the soil absorption field. For a properly designed septic system, the tank should be inspected and pumped every 1 to 5 years.