6 Common Misconceptions about Septic Systems in West Michigan

You might be having some issues with your septic system or you may be thinking of constructing or 
replacing one in your property. However, you must be sure that you are on the right track. 

Here are six of the most common septic tank septic systems myths or misconceptions.

1.      Septic systems will stay functional for a long, long time.

To assume that you can use your septic tank forever is a common misconception. Depending on the 
kind of material it is made, your septic system may be functional for as long as 40 years for concrete 
and 30 years for steel. You have a serious problem with your septic system if there is flooding in the 
septic field, poor quality of water, and sewage backups. When these happen, call a professional 
technician as soon as possible and have it examined and replaced by septic systems Muskegon.

2.      Septic additives are enough to maintain the septic system.

A number of additives advertisements claim that you can depend on them for maintaining the 
cleanliness of your septic system. However, your septic tank contains solid and liquid materials and 
natural bacteria cannot decompose all these contents. Putting in additives, on the other hand, will not 
remove all the solid matter and may even kill or disturb the bacterial balance in the tank. Moreover, 
certain chemicals in the additives have a corrosive effect on your tank and can damage your septic 
system. You need to have your system pumped every two or three years by the septic systems 
Grand Haven in order to keep it in good condition. 

3.      It is OK to build on top of your septic tank.

Building a patio, deck, or any structure on top of your septic tank will give your professional access to 
it when it needs to be pumped. In addition, the natural and necessary breakdown of waste water will be 
disrupted because the structure will prevent oxygen from getting into the soil. Moreover, you will suffer 
from a septic backup which is a disaster that you would never want to experience in your life.

4.      Anything can be put down the drain.

The only things that should go down your septic system are wastewater and sewage. Any other 
substance like disinfectants, cleaner, and solvents will decrease or eradicate the microbes that are 
necessary for the breakdown of sewage. Also, flashing coffee grounds will simply add to clogging of 
the system. Septic systems Whitehall can help you with additional explanation on this matter.

5.      A standard septic system will not last longer than 20 years.

With proper maintenance such as pumping every two or three years, your septic system can last for 
as long as 40 years. You can be assured of a long-lasting system if you avoid putting a structure over 
it and keeping the ground free from obstructions. Septic systems Holland have trained professionals 
who could maintain the cleanliness of your system.

6.      Clogged septic systems should be changed.

If you have clogged septic systems, you do not have to replace it right away. This problem can be 
solved by having your technicians do the maintenance as well as refraining from putting solids into the 
drain. 

You can avoid the mistakes of believing in the aforementioned misconceptions if you seek advice and 
help from the experts in septic systems Coopersville.  

For your septic system needs, call West Michigan Septic Sewer and Drain Service in Muskegon at  
231-739-7423; Grand Haven at 616-847-1072; Whitehall at 231-893-4252; Holland at 616-392-8988; 
Coopersville at 616-837-1800; Allendale at 616-895-9080; and Twin Lake at 231-828-5595. You can 
also visit our website at https://www.wmssd.com/ for an overview of our products and services. 
Please take note that our service areas are: Muskegon, Grand Haven, Whitehall, Holland, Coopersville,
 Allendale, and Twin Lake; hence, we are just within your reach. You don’t have to go any farther.