THE LEADING CAUSE OF FAILURE

Domestic wastewater is composed of 99.8% water, with the remainder, 200 parts per million, being solids.

Household septic systems and municipal systems in Hawaii are designed to accommodate 200 gallons per day per person. The size of the leach field of a septic system is determined by how many people will be using it, and how well the soil "perks".

So, think about this: You have four people in your house and a septic designed for 800 gallons per day. A toilet develops a leak and you don't hear it. A one gallon per minute(g.p.m.) leak totals 1,440 gallons per day(g.p.d.)! One half of a g.p.m., 770 g.p.d., would saturate the septic system.

We have pumped cesspools with our 3,200 gallon tanker and had clients call back a week later to say their cesspools are full again, and want to know why. That is why when we pump we always try to look and listen for leaks. Sometimes you can't see or hear them though.

If a sink is leaking you can see it, but how can you tell if a toilet is leaking? The easiest way is to put food coloring in the tank on the back. Don't flush. If the coloring shows up in the bowl, there is a leak.

Instead of repairing an old 3 or 5 gallon toilet we recommend replacing it with a 1.6 gallon low flow model. There is a brand available here on Maui at one of the plumbing supply stores that costs about $180.00. And, you don't have to flush twice. If you call, we can tell you which brand.

Another way to extend the life of your septic or cesspool is to divert washing machine water or "gray" water to a banana patch, or water the lawn with it. Do not allow the water to flow off of your property.

Conserve water, save your sewer!

To see more useful information please click Helpful Tips