Ross,

Thanks for the web site. I found a wealth of information. Looks to me that
my problem may lie with my field lines if my theory about the bacteria kill
is incorrect. I had my system pumped out a couple of days ago and I'll find
out soon enough if the same thing happens again. As I'd said, I have a lot
of experience with septic systems and, from the information I read on the
web link you shared, I seemed to be doing most things right. I looked back
over the past several months to see about anything that had changed and the
wine equipment sanitizing/cleansing was all I could come up with. I usually
ferment two batches at once so, whenever I have to rack, I clean/sanitize
two 9 gallon tanks before and after racking. I originally used a bleach type
powder but more recently switched to an "Oxy" type cleaner. I just got to
thinking that if this stuff is so good at killing bacteria then is it also
wiping out the same in my septic system?

Again, thanks for the follow up.

John


> wrote in message
...
> On Thu, 3 Jan 2008 21:30:13 -0600, "JB" > wrote:
>
>>I live in a rural area and my home has a septic system. I'm familiar with
>>these systems as I've lived in homes serviced by one for over 30 years.
>>Rarely have I had a problem until recently. I started making wine from
>>kits
>>last year. I've made 5 kits, 6 gallons each, since August. I'm aware that
>>cleanliness is very important so I clean my bottles, fermentation tanks,
>>other equipment, etc. prior to being used. I'm wondering if all of this
>>cleaner has killed the bacteria in my septic tank and contributed to my
>>problem. My question to the group: Has anyone experienced any problems
>>similar to this?
>>
>>I'd like to avoid having to dig up and replace my system when the solution
>>might be as simple as not pouring so much cleanser down the drain and/or
>>adding a bacterial starter to my system.
>>
>>TIA
>>
>>John
>
> Hello John,
>
> How familiar are you with the operation of a septic system?
> If your system is sized correctly there should be no problem adding
> reasonable amounts of sanitizing chemicals.
> One of the biggest problems with septic systems is improper
> maintenance. How often do you have your septic tank pumped? Pumping
> frequency depends on the size of the tank and the number of people in
> the household, and can be as often as every year. Many people wait
> until there is a problem before having the tank pumped. By that time
> there is likely to be clogging in the weeping tile bed which can be
> very expensive to remedy.
> I've lived in a home serviced by a septic system for close to 70
> years. In our current home, we've been on the same septic system for
> the last 27 years and, with regular pumping, have experienced no
> problems.
> I've slowed down a bit in my winemaking over the past few years but,
> in 2006 I made 29 six gallon batches with no septic system problems.
> As far as adding a bacterial or enzyme starter/rejuvenator they are,
> according to the experts, at best ineffective and a waste of money and
> even worse, can be extremely damaging to the system and/or the
> environment.
>
> Good luck with your system. I hope it's a simple cure.
> You may want to check out http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm
>
> Ross.