Septic Tank vs. Water Softener

[microcomputer (Premo)]

We are really confused! This is the first house we've owned with a Septic Tank. The house is over 20 years old. The first thing we did was have the Septic Tank pumped out. No, we weren't having a problem - just figured it was a good investment.

The water is hard so we decided to go for a water softener. The company installed everything and said all that was left was to hook it up to the septic tank. That got me thinking so I searched on the internet and found a bunch of articles saying that water softeners will kill your septic tank field and other articles saying it won't. I told the water softener company to hold up (which they did) until I had time to check this out.

I checked with the company that pumped out our septic tank and they said as late as this February (the last convention they attended) it was advised not to use a water softener if you are running on a septic tank. The water softener company fax'd us a number of articles saying it is ok.

So - does anyone know if it is safe. I would rather live with hard water then the expense of having a septic field ruined.

HELP!!!

[crabcake]

Why does a water softener need to be hooked up to a septic tank?

[microcomputer (Premo)]

Originally Posted by crabcake

Why does a water softener need to be hooked up to a septic tank?

Apparently, every so often (1,000 gallons) the unit cleans itself and has to flush the brine (salt) out of the tank. Maryland requires that it be flushed directly into the Septic Tank. Unfortunately, everything I've read says that that will kill the bacteria in the Septic. Bacteria is critical - no bacteria and you have Septic problems. For every article I've read that says water softeners can kill a Septic I find another article that says it might actually help.

Geeez, why can't life be easy!

[huntr1]

In-laws have had a septic system and a water softener for over 20 years. Never had a problem. Go ahead and hook it up. Worst case scenario, you just add some Ridex (I think that's the name) to the septic after the softener flushes.

[microcomputer (Premo)]

Originally Posted by huntr1

In-laws have had a septic system and a water softener for over 20 years. Never had a problem. Go ahead and hook it up. Worst case scenario, you just add some Ridex (I think that's the name) to the septic after the softener flushes.

I've been adding Rid-X every month (well, at least I try to remember to add it once a month). Yea, that would be a plan - everytime it flushes - add a box of Rid-X. That would allow me to still get the water softer and keep the septic running. That might just work!

Thanks for your input.

[bcp (Premo)]

Ive been on the system now since 86 here and have never had a problem or added any ridex.

the systems are ok for septic.