What Breaks Down Food In The Septic Tank? (Question)

Much like your stomach, septic tanks need good bacteria and enzymes to break down the solids that pass through it. These beneficial bacteria and enzymes can come from several sources, but our favorite is actually rotten tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins called Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes.

  • Yeast is a type of fungus that can be used to ferment food. It is usually added to bread dough or liquid in order to cause fermentation and produce carbon dioxide gas. When introduced to your septic system, yeast keeps bacteria alive and aggressively breaks down waste particles.

What to put in septic tank to break up solids?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

What happens if food gets into septic tank?

The fine particulates present in ground food can easily float in the effluent layer of the tank and exit into the drainfield, which clogs the pores that help to filter the wastewater.

What breaks down sludge in septic tank?

Bacteria that lives in the tank helps to break down the sludge, turning it into a liquid. Near the top of the septic tank is a pipe that leads to a part of the yard called the drain field.

Do solids break down in a septic tank?

Solution for a clogged septic system The solids settle to the bottom, where microorganisms decompose them. The scum, composed of waste that’s lighter than water, floats on top. The middle layer of effluent exits the tank and travels through underground perforated pipes into the drainage field.

What is the best thing to put in septic tank?

The products below represent some of the best septic tank treatments available in their respective categories.

  • BEST OVERALL: Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment.
  • BEST BUDGET: Green Gobbler Septic Saver Bacteria Enzyme Pacs.
  • BEST FOR CLOGS: Instant Power 1868 Septic Shock.

How do you dissolve grease in a septic tank?

You can try boiling some water on the stove and pouring that in your drain to see if it dissolves the clog, but the best way to get rid of grease buildup on drains is to hire a plumber to blast it off with a powerful jet of water that scrubs the sides of the drain clean.

Do I need to add enzymes to my septic tank?

But septic tanks don’t really need help from extra additives. As long as you are only putting wastewater and toilet paper down the pipes, the tank can take care of its job on its own. Putting anything extra in can cause more harm than good and it’s best to stick to the tanks natural ecosystem when possible.

Is coffee bad for your septic system?

Many septic professionals can agree that putting coffee grounds into a septic system is a bad practice and could negatively affect its function. Coffee grounds will not break down in a septic tank; they will build up over time and might cause the tank to have to be pumped more often.

How do you dissolve septic sludge?

How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping

  1. Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
  2. Break up any compacted sludge.
  3. Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
  4. Maintain the aeration system.
  5. Add additional Microbes as required.

What does baking soda do to a septic tank?

Will baking soda hurt a septic system? Baking soda and other common household solutions such as vinegar are not harmful to your septic system. Harsh chemicals such as bleach and ammonia can disrupt the good bacteria in your septic tank and should not be used as part of a septic treatment.

Will Epsom salt hurt septic system?

While Epsom salt doesn’t cause damage to your septic tank, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should go flushing it into your tank. Many individuals think flushing Epsom salt in their septic tanks will break down waste. While salts can unclog a toilet, the effect Epsom salt has on your septic system will be minimal.

How do I keep my septic system healthy?

Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system

  1. Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
  2. Pump your septic tank as needed.
  3. Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
  4. Be water-wise.
  5. Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.
  6. Landscape with love.
  7. Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.

How can I increase bacteria in my septic tank naturally?

Homemade Septic Tank Treatment The ingredients required for this natural solution are the following: Water, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Dry Yeast. To concoct this mixture, first start by boiling roughly a half gallon of water. Add in 2 cups of sugar. The sugar will act as the first food your bacteria will eat!

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

  • Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
  • Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
  • Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
  • You Hear Gurgling Water.
  • You Have A Sewage Backup.
  • How often should you empty your septic tank?

3 Things You Should Keep Out of Your Septic Tank

While the primary means of eliminating wastewater from your house, do you ever stop to consider what else ends up in your septic tank as you go about your daily routine? Learn about three items that should never be flushed down the toilet or rinsed down the drain, as well as how they might ruin your septic system in this article.

1. Excess Food Waste

How often do you find yourself with a small bit of leftover food on your plate after a meal? Despite the fact that it may appear to be simpler to just rinse food waste into your garbage disposal, the reality is that ground-up food may be quite difficult on your septic tank and drainfield. Floating tiny particles included in ground food can readily pass through the effluent layer of the tank and discharge into the drainfield, clogging the pores that aid in the filtering and filtration of the wastewater.

For those who choose not to use a disposal system, they may only need to pump once every three years at the most.

For example, starchy meals such as pasta have a high absorption rate of water, placing you at greater risk of developing problematic blockages.

As an alternative to scrubbing off your plate in the sink, scrape your plate into the wet garbage and then limit your use of the sink to rinsing reasons only.

2. Strong Cleaning Products

Although you may like having clean, fresh-smelling sinks, tubs, and showers, the chemicals you use to clean, deodorize, and declog your septic system can cause havoc on the delicate bacterial balance within your system’s septic tank and drain field. To effectively break down organic waste, your septic tank relies on helpful bacteria to complete the job. This allows fluids to flow through your system efficiently. Unfortunately, if you pour cleansers down your drains, such as bleach, anti-bacterial soaps, and even drain cleaning, you may find yourself with a system that doesn’t function as it should.

As a comparison, it would take two gallons of bleach to cause the same degree of eubacteria harm.

Cleaning your house should only be done using septic-safe cleaning solutions, and you should avoid using anti-bacterial laundry detergents.

Straight bleach should never be used to clean sinks, toilets, or bathtubs. If you have a clogged drain, instead of using a chemical drain cleaner, call a plumber to snake the line out for you.

3. Wet Wipes

There has been an increase in the use of wet wipes in restrooms across the United States, which has resulted in an increase in septic difficulties – especially because many varieties of wet wipes are not meant to break down in septic tanks. It has been claimed that cities around the country are incurring increased expenditures for cleaning wet wipes from major sewage lines, and that homeowners with septic tanks are running the danger of permanently ruining their septic systems. Instead of flushing used wipes down the toilet, if your family prefers to use wet wipes instead of toilet paper, instruct your children to place them in a nearby rubbish can rather than flushing them.

Contact Southern Sanitary Systems Inc.

Along with septic tank pumping and repairs, our technicians can assist with plumbing inspections and after-hours emergency assistance as well.

Kitchen and Cooking Practices Harmful to Your Septic System

There are certain distinctions in care, usage, and budgeting that you should be aware of, whether you’re a new homeowner with an existing septic system or considering about purchasing or building a home without sewer hookups. This document outlines three ways in which your budget will be affected if your wastewater is treated using a septic system. 1. You will not be required to budget for municipal sewer service. Because the municipal wastewater system normally processes all of the water, the cost of city sewage service is sometimes determined by how much water you purchase from the city.

  • A large number of homes with septic systems also rely on wells for fresh water rather than municipal water, which means you’ll likely save money in that department as well.
  • It is necessary to include septic maintenance in your budget.
  • Although you are not required to pay the city for the usage of your septic system, you will be responsible for the costs of maintenance if you want the system to continue to function properly.
  • It is possible that these maintenance and repair expenditures will build up over time, so you may want to consider setting up an emergency fund to cover any unforeseen repair bills.
  • You’ll also need to budget for the cost of a single inspection and begin saving for the cost of a tank pump.
  • Spreading the expenditures out over several months is the most effective budgeting strategy, even for an expense such as tank pumping that does not occur every year, because it allows you to better estimate the costs ahead of time.
  • You may need to set aside money for septic tank replacement.

The tank and leach field may not need to be replaced if you have a reasonably recent septic system and plan to sell your home within a few years.

If, on the other hand, your home’s septic system is more than a decade old, you’ll want to start looking into how much a new system would cost you as soon as possible.

For example, if the previous owners did not do routine maintenance or if the system was installed on clay soil, the system may need to be replaced.

It is a prudent decision to begin putting money aside in anticipation of this eventuality.

When you have a septic system, you may use these three strategies to budget differently.

Make an appointment with us right away if you’re searching for someone to pump out your septic tank or to complete an annual examination of your septic system. Our experts at C.E. Taylor and Son Inc. would be happy to assist you with any septic system assessment, maintenance, or repair needs.

DIY Septic Tank Treatment

Septic tank systems can be pretty finicky and quite expensive when they back-up. We’ve only had to pump our septic tank one time in over 20 years, here’s our DIY Septic Tank Treatment that we use for keeping our system working without issues!

Natural Enzyme Action

Septic tanks, like your stomach, require the presence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in order to break down the particles that travel through them. It is possible to obtain these helpful bacteria and enzymes from a variety of sources, but one of our favorites is rotting tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins known as Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes, and they break down pectin. Lipase, hydrolyzes, and lyase are all members of the pectinase family of enzymes that are capable of breaking down pectin and plant cell walls in the natural environment, therefore aiding in the decomposition and recycling of waste plant materials.

DIY Septic Tank Treatment

It is simple and inexpensive to treat a septic tank with DIY solutions. We “feed” our septic tank 3-4 rotting tomatoes every 3 months or so, which we do through our garbage disposal. The idea is to make sure that you split up the tomato and pass only half a tomato or so at a time through the water while it is running to ensure that it is properly flushed out. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal, you may throw two or three large rotting tomatoes in a bag (chances are they’re already packed away in a bag in your refrigerator and starting to liquefy anyway!).

See also:  What Size Septic Tank Do I Need For 2 Bathrooms? (Solution found)

Dump them into a toilet (but don’t use bleach!) and flush them away.

Normally, having rotten tomatoes every few months isn’t a big deal because the garden overproduces in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are always a few extras available.

At the very least, they aren’t going to waste completely.

Toilet Paper No-No’s

When we had our septic system pumped for the first time in more than two decades, we were assured that it was totally unnecessary because the system was operating well and looked fantastic. During our conversation, the gentleman shared numerous true horror stories of systems he’d witnessed at his place of employment where the families utilized “fluffy” toilet paper. That one where the cute little bears in the advertisements are pleased of themselves for not having any lint left behind? You know the one I’m talking about.

Image courtesy of Ian Haycoxis (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

He especially inquired about the brand of tissue we use, which is Scott Tissue.

It degrades swiftly and does not “glop” into a clog-inducing mass on the lines. Alternatively, if you don’t happen to have any rotting tomatoes on hand, you may use baking or brewing yeast to bring healthy bacteria to your tank as an alternative.

How to Clean Septic Tank Naturally

Yeast and sugar are excellent natural septic tank cleaners, and here’s an easy method for using them.

Septic Tank Cleaner

2 cups granulated sugar 5 cups of hot water (optional) 3 tbsp. active dry yeast Sugar and yeast should be dissolved in water. Pour the mixture into a toilet (that does not contain bleach!) and flush it. This is best done at night so that the yeast may continue to work throughout the night; do not flush for at least 3 hours after completion.

Additional Tips:

1Avoid flushing raw or cooked meat down the toilet, down the garbage disposal, or any other form of introducing meat into your septic system; meat is NEVER a helpful bacterium. 2. Never add oils, grease, or fat in any form (solid or liquid) to your tank. This includes, but is not limited to, cooking oils, bacon grease, meat grease from draining ground beef/turkey, and other fat-containing foods. 3Avoid flushing anything other than garbage and toilet paper down the toilet; this means that feminine products should be disposed of in the trash, baby diapers and wipes should be disposed of in the trashcan, and so on.

Have you tried the rotten tomato technique yet?

Love this DIY Septic Tank Treatment Idea? Pin it!

There are several septic systembest practices that homeowners should be aware of and follow in order to guarantee that their system continues to operate at optimal performance for as long as feasible. Many of these are logical activities that do not require more explanation. The justification for implementing others, on the other hand, is less evident to me. Two excellent practices that fall under this category are discussed in detail in this blog:

  • Make every effort to reduce the quantity of organic material that goes down the kitchen sink
  • Avoid using garbage disposals

There are a few of reasons why it is critical to put these best practices into action right now. First and foremost, placing organic material into the septic system that has not been digested delivers more nutrients into the system without introducing any additional bacteria. Food scraps that are washed directly into the septic system from dishes, cooking equipment, and utensils contain a very low concentration of germs. Digested food, on the other hand, is similar to a self-sustaining environmental kit, replete with bacteria and nutrients in a convenient container.

  • For these bacteria to continue to break down the organic materials, they just require a period of time (note:aerobic bacteria will break down the organic matter far faster than the anaerobic matter).
  • Their waste treatment methods are intended to remove this stuff from the system, and they do it quickly and efficiently on a continuous basis, allowing them to remain profitable.
  • If there is an excessive amount of material added, it will not be broken down.
  • In the worst case scenario, this debris will find its way out to the drainfield, where it will block the system and prevent water from returning to the groundwater table.
  • When fats, oils, and grease are consumed and digested by humans, they are effectively filtered out of the body by the human body (for better or worse).

Undigested food leftovers should be disposed of in a garbage can or compost pile rather than in the trash. If you put them in your septic system, you will reduce the life of the system.

How To Break Down Solids In A Septic Tank?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product after clicking on one of our links, we may receive a commission or free product from the firms featured in this post. Amazon is a good illustration of this. Solid waste, if left to its own devices, has the potential to cause serious damage to your septic system. You must thus clean your tank every three to five years as a result of this. However, this does not imply that you should neglect septic tank maintenance in the interim.

So, what is the best method for breaking down particles in a septic tank?

Pumping the tank and then backflushing it a number of times may be necessary if the solid waste is very difficult to remove.

CALL 855.925.0760 FOR SEPTIC SERVICES

Just as your stomach requires a constant supply of bacteria and gastric enzymes to aid in the digestion of the food you consume, your septic system is reliant on its environment — colonies of bacteria and enzymes — to breakdown solid waste that accumulates in it to keep it running efficiently. However, while the microorganisms in your septic tank are a hardworking bunch, they could always use a little assistance from you. The addition of a few rotten tomatoes to the tank is an excellent approach to accelerate the rate of decomposition.

  1. You may have a question.
  2. As a result, they contribute to the decomposition and recycling of waste plant materials in the environment.
  3. Making sure you break the tomato thoroughly and passing only half a tomato at a time is critical in this situation.
  4. What happens if you don’t have a waste disposal in your home?
  5. Squeeze three or four tomatoes into a bag and gently smoosh the bag to squash the tomatoes into small bits, if necessary.
  6. Keep in mind that the opening at the bottom of the toilet is tiny, so make sure the pieces are small enough to travel through it without squeezing.

CALL 855.925.0760 FOR SEPTIC SERVICES

The potency of plain old baking yeast should not be underestimated. As effective as tomatoes at badgering up solid trash, it is even more effective! Yeast contributes to the fight against scum and sludge by activating enzymes and encouraging the formation of bacteria, which work together to win the battle.

To use baking yeast as a natural septic tank treatment, flush the contents of a 14 ounce bag of baking yeast down the toilet once a month for best results.

What to do when Natural Septic Tank Treatments Don’t Work?

Let’s face it: we’re in a bind. Tomatoes and yeast, for example, are effective cleaning agents, but only to a point. Unless your tank is completely full of muck, you’ll have no choice but to call in the specialists. In order to bring the struggle against solid waste to a victorious end, it is necessary to call in the heavy weapons (or, in this case, enormous pumps). When you sucking liquid out of a tank and then backflushing the liquid a few times, you can break the back of most solid waste. Having said that, there are certain limits to this strategy as well.

  1. But don’t lose heart if this happens, because there are other options for completing the task at your disposal.
  2. This will aid in the mixing of the contents, which will make it simpler to break down solids in the future.
  3. It works in a similar way to a baking mixer, combining the components until they create a slurry mix that can be extracted with the use of a vacuum pump once they have been blended.
  4. Although this is a long-term remedy and a method of cleaning the tank without pumping, it is not intended to be a short-term repair.
  5. The anaerobic condition in a septic tank makes it more difficult for microorganisms, which thrive in an oxygen-rich environment, to survive (or theaerobic e nvironment in other words).
  6. What you need to do is as follows:
  • Ensure that the septic tank is equipped with a dispersed aeration system. Include a microbe mix or a bio-activator in your recipe. Maintain the functionality of your aeration system. As required, supplement with more microorganisms.

That’s all there is to it when it comes to breaking down particles in a septic tank. Before we wrap out this topic, here are a number of important facts to remember:

  • It is recommended that natural cleaning methods, such as those listed above, be utilized to maintain the tank clean between regular pumping. They should not be used in place of periodic pump-outs
  • You should clean your septic tank once every three to five years at the absolute most. If, on the other hand, your tank is smaller than usual or you create more wastewater than usual, you should clean it out more often.

Related Questions to How to Break Down Solids in a Septic Tank

What are some things that are hazardous for septic systems? Gasoline, oil, paint thinners, photography chemicals, solvents, insect or weed killers, and other hazardous materials should never be flushed down the toilet. You should also avoid flushing medications and chemical-based cleaning products down the toilet if at all possible. Too much bleach can also be detrimental to the tank’s health. What happens if you don’t pump your septic tank on a consistent basis? Without regular cleaning of the pump, the solid waste contained inside it will ultimately leak into the conduit that feeds into the drainfield.

How much sludge should be present in a septic tank on a regular basis?

However, if this level rises over the 25 percent line, you should have the tank drained.

After that, have a look at our Septic Wikipage.

Septic systems are discussed in detail, and the book gives solutions to a slew of queries about them. If you believe it is time to have your septic tank pumped, visit our state directory to locate a trustworthy, reasonably priced local specialist in your area.

CALL 855.925.0760 FOR SEPTIC SERVICES

Wastewater from residences is disposed of into a septic tank for treatment in areas where municipal sewer lines are not readily available or are inaccessible. The presence of microorganisms, particularly bacteria, in the septic tank helps to break down and liquefy organic waste. The treatment of wastewater in most septic systems is divided into two primary steps. When wastewater is fed into the septic system, the solids fall to the bottom of the system, where they combine with the anaerobic bacteria to produce the sludge and scum layers.

After passing through the second phase, the effluent is discharged into the drainfield region, where it is further treated by physical and biological processes as it percolates through the soil.

What are enzymes?

Bacterial enzymes are a class of proteins that are released into the environment. Enzymes are quite selective in terms of the types of organic materials that they degrade. Enzymes, in contrast to bacteria, are not living organisms. They are incapable of growing or reproducing. Enzymes are often produced by bacteria and serve as catalysts for anaerobic digestion, which occurs in the absence of oxygen. Enzymes may be thought of as blades that cut through complicated molecules and break them down into smaller fragments that are more digestible for bacteria to consume.

Types of enzymes found in septic systems

Following are some of the most essential enzymes in sewage treatment systems. Protease is a digestive enzyme that breaks down protein-based waste such as blood and feces. Lipase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down fats, greases, and oils. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates such as porridge, rice, pasta, and so on. Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that breaks down cellulose, such as that found in paper-based goods. Urease is a digestive enzyme that breaks down urea.

The majority of these enzymes are generated by bacteria in their natural environment.

Organic matter and enzymes such as amylase, protease, cellulases, and lipases are introduced into the septic tank by Bio-maintenance Sol’s products in order to break down the organic waste and aid in the digestion process in the tank.

What are bacteria?

When it comes to bacteria, they are the most prevalent and significant germs in a septic system. Fungi, protozoa, rotifers, and nematodes are some of the other microorganisms that exist. Despite the fact that bacteria are microbes, which means that they are exceedingly little, they are still living entities, and as such, they require some type of nutrition to survive. They get their nutrition from organic stuff. Approximately 1/25,000 of an inch in length is the length of a bacterium. They may grow in large numbers in a little amount of area due to their minuscule sizes.

  1. Bacteria that require oxygen are referred to as aerobic bacteria, whilst bacteria that do not require oxygen are referred to as anaerobic bacteria.
  2. This explains why several common home goods are not very beneficial to the septic tank’s performance.
  3. When the conditions are good, bacteria can multiply every 15-20 minutes if the right conditions are there.
  4. This frequently results in the reduction of the bacteria population, which is a phenomena that has been linked to the failure of numerous septic systems in the past.

Fortunately, you can simply renew the bacteria in your septic tank by adding billions of bacteria every month to it using Bio-keepup Sol’s solution, which you can get online.

Types of bacteria found in the septic tank

When it comes to septic systems, there are four basic kinds of bacteria to consider. There are anaerobic, aerobic, facultative, and bacterium spores among these types of bacteria. Let’s take a closer look at each of these in turn.

See also:  Which Drains Go To The Septic Tank? (Best solution)

Anaerobic bacteria

As the name implies, anaerobic bacteria flourish in conditions with little or no oxygen, which is why they can be found in typical septic systems. They generate energy by using chemicals like as nitrates and sulfates, which helps to slow their metabolic rate down. Despite the fact that they are smaller than aerobic bacteria, they are highly selective, and because of their lower metabolism, it is more difficult for them to create enzymes. These animals have exceptional resistance to environmental stress and can thus live even when their environment changes dramatically.

The advantage of adopting anaerobic bacteria is that you will not be required to have any electromechanical equipment in your system.

Facultative bacteria

Facultative bacteria are capable of flourishing in both the presence and absence of air. When there is enough oxygen available, they can survive by aerobic respiration. When there is no oxygen available, these bacteria convert to fermentation. As a result, facultative bacteria may be described as having the potential to change into either aerobic or anaerobic conditions depending on the conditions in the environment they are exposed to. In most cases, this transition takes a few of hours to complete.

Aerobic bacteria

Bacteria such as this require the presence of oxygen in order to thrive. Aerobic bacteria are extremely effective at feeding on organic waste, and as a result, they may be employed to break down trash in high-tech waste-treatment systems. Aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, are extremely sensitive to changes in their surrounding environment. Aspects of their size are likewise greater than those of anaerobic bacteria in most cases. Aerobes have a substantially greater metabolic rate than anaerobes, and this difference is considerable.

Bacteria spores

Bacteria endospores are a dormant structure that is created by stressed bacteria cells and is used as a protective barrier. They create a protective shell around the cell, which shields it from the impacts of the environment. Endospores can, as a result, endure circumstances that would readily kill any other bacteria, such as high temperatures. These materials can survive extreme pressure, ultraviolet radiation, chemical degradation and other conditions. However, despite the fact that this makes it easier for them to live in the septic tank, they are not particularly effective when it comes to the digestion of organic waste.

  • A pathogen is a microbe that is responsible for the transmission of illness.
  • The bacteria in the septic tank are responsible for the breakdown of organic waste in the septic system.
  • An inadequately functioning system may not be able to effectively remove harmful microorganisms, resulting in groundwater pollution.
  • Diseases transmitted by drinking water are caused by harmful bacteria, which are found in abundance.

Septic system owners must consequently examine their systems on a regular basis to verify that they are operating in the manner intended by the manufacturer. Shock therapy should be used promptly if you have a clogged drain field in order to restore it to its normal operating state.

The sludge layer

Heavy materials in wastewater from your home sink to the bottom of your tank, forming a layer known as sludge. When wastewater from your home enters your septic system, it forms a layer known as the sludge layer. Anaerobic bacteria aid in the partial breakdown of the sludge by oxidizing the organic matter. Sludge layers are often composed of mixed biodegradable and nonbiodegradable substances, making it impossible for the bacteria to completely decompose the layer. As a result, septic tanks must be drained on a regular basis, according to the requirements of your provincial legislation.

Applying probiotics to septic systems

At some point, every septic system will fail. Not if, but when will this happen is the real question. The harmful compounds utilized in houses, which ultimately make their way into septic tanks, might be held responsible for this impending breakdown of the system. Despite the fact that there are billions of naturally existing bacteria in the septic tank, these bacteria require a pH level of about 7. The harmful compounds that come from residences interact with the pH levels of the septic tank, resulting in the death of a large number of bacteria in the tank.

It has been suggested that using probiotics to septic systems may be one method of addressing this issue.

Conclusion

Even though there are thousands of different septic tank additives available on the market today, they are not all created equal. Some of them, in fact, will cause more harm than benefit to the septic tank’s environment. Some investigations have revealed that chemical additions can really cause the collapse of a septic system as well as the pollution of groundwater. For this reason, only biological additions such as those provided by Bio-Sol should be used in your recipes. They are created from bacteria and enzymes that have been meticulously chosen, and they inject billions of bacteria into the sewage treatment system as a result of their use.

It is a good idea to add biological additives to your septic tank on a regular basis to ensure that it is operating as effectively as possible.

4 Things to Stop Flushing Into Your Septic Tank

Did you have obstructions in your septic tank or require repairs this year? What you flush down your toilet might be a contributing factor to the issue. Being aware of what should be flushed and what should not be flushed might assist you in maintaining your septic system. These suggestions will assist you in changing your behaviors and preventing septic tank blockages in the future. In order for solids to be broken down and turned into liquids in septic tanks, bacteria must be present. Antibiotics, for example, might kill off beneficial bacteria, causing the breakdown of sediments to be slower than it should be and requiring your tank to be pumped more frequently than necessary.

  • In the event that you are unsure of what to deal with your remaining medication after you have completed taking it, consult your pharmacist.
  • Many things are promoted as flushable, and this is a good thing.
  • In most cases, however, these items are not suitable for use in septic tanks.
  • A blockage at the input baffle caused by certain goods, such as diapers, might result in back-ups in the main line going to the tank.
  • If members of your family habitually flush other objects down the toilet, you should arrange a family conversation regarding septic tank cleaning and maintenance.
  • Food is readily flushed down kitchen sink drains, whereas trash disposals flush microscopic fragments of food down drain lines as well as down the sink.
  • Keep a drain strainer in your kitchen sink (or sinks) to capture any food that washes off your dishes in order to avoid any difficulties in the future.

Otherwise, get it replaced or discontinue use of it entirely.

As a build-up of cooking oil accumulates in the input baffle, other particles of debris may become trapped in the sticky trap.

After frying, let the oil to cool before pouring it into a trash bag and tossing it in the garbage.

It is a sensible approach to save money while also preserving your septic system when you repurpose leftover cooking oil.

Fats and grease can readily pass down drains, but they can ultimately block the septic system and cause it to overflow.

If your property is serviced by a septic system, follow the procedures outlined above to modify your behaviors and prevent unnecessary damage to your system from occurring.

Contact your local septic tank specialist, Al’s Septic Tank Service, if you have any questions about what more you can do to keep your septic tank protected and prevent clogging.

Garbage Disposal for Septic Systems

Our PickCheck Price is as follows: (Amazon) What if you have an aseptic system instead of a standard sewer system? Can you use your trash disposal then? A septic tank is a waterproof tank that is used to store residential sanitary wastewater underground. Septic tanks are typically seen in rural locations where there are no sewerage systems in place. If your wastewater is being collected and kept in a septic tank, we do not suggest that you use a garbage disposal device. What is the reason behind this?

Recommended disposal for septic systems

When purchasing a trash disposal for a property with a septic tank, you cannot simply purchase any garbage disposal. Purchase one that comes with septic assist, which will help to maintain your septic tank healthy by providing additional enzyme treatment to it. This enzyme treatment is contained within a cartridge that can be linked to a septic assist trash disposal, and just like a printer cartridge, this cartridge will need to be updated on a regular basis to maintain effectiveness. The following disclosure applies: This article is sponsored by readers.

InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist

With the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist, you may have a trash disposal that is specifically designed to work with septic systems in your house. Using this disposer, you may add an automated injection of enzyme-producing microbes to your food waste, which will aid in the breakdown of the food particles in your septic tank much faster. Because of the 3/4 horsepower engine, this InSinkErator is both quiet and powerful. Tip: You may order additional Bio-Charge Cartridge replacements from this page.

  • Feed type:Continuous feed
  • s Horse power:3/4 HP
  • s Speed:1725 RPM
  • s Weight:22.6 pounds
  • s Warranty:4-year

InSinkErator Septic Assist Bio Charge Cartridge

  • The enzyme treatment with bio-charge has a citrus fragrance to it. With typical use, the cartridge lasts 3 to 4 months (four times longer than conventional treatments)
  • It carries 16 ounces of therapy solution in the cartridge bottle. Additionally, you may purchase them in packs of two or four cartridges.

Check for a Discount (Amazon) It is not intended for the decomposition of solid food waste in a septic tank. Recycling.com

More about garbage disposals for septic tanks

Bacteria break down the substance in an aseptic tank. However, because these bacteria are unable of breaking down solids adequately, and food waste is a solid waste, grinding up your food scraps in the garbage disposal will result in the particles being flushed into your septic system. These food scraps will accumulate in the septic tank and expand in volume as a result of the bacteria’s inability to decompose the solid food waste rapidly enough. In other words, the pace of buildup of sludge is significantly faster than the rate of breakdown.

  • Examples include coffee grounds, fruit pits, meat bones, and fats.
  • In this location, the water will be filtered down by the earth and will move towards the groundwater supply.
  • This will prevent wastewater from being discharged into the groundwater.
  • Septic tank with a conventional design |
  • In other words, it has a negative impact on the tank’s overall capacity and efficiency.

In the end, allowing garbage disposal to flow into a septic tank will overload the bacteria in the tank, disturb the tank’s equilibrium, and reduce or completely shut down the tank’s efficacy throughout.

Septic garbage disposals

InSinkErator Evolution Septic AssistIf you plan to use a trash disposal in conjunction with a septic system, we recommend that you purchase a food waste disposal that is specifically intended for this purpose. What distinguishes it from other types of trash disposal is that a septic garbage disposal breaks down food waste while simultaneously releasing specific enzymes. If you have a trash disposal linked to a shared sewage system, you may use it just like any other disposal device attached to a shared sewer system since these enzymes assist in breaking down solid food waste within the septic tank more rapidly.

See also:  What Happens If Aerator For Septic Tank Shuts Off? (Question)

Using the trash disposal to dispose of food scraps when you have a septic tank requires extra caution.

This means that you should avoid disposing of items such as coffee grounds, fruit pits, meat bones, oil, and grease in order to avoid having to perform additional maintenance and repairs on your septic system.

However, this holds true for any waste disposal.

Garbage disposals for dishwashers, farmhouse sinks, and septic tanks

It’s not always possible to simply purchase a trash disposal and put it beneath your kitchen sink to meet your needs. Particularly important considerations for unique types of trash disposals include the following: septic tanks, deep or farmhouse kitchen sinks; and the desire to connect your dishwasher to the waste disposal as well as the disposal.

  1. Disposal of waste from dishwashers
  2. Disposal of waste from a septic system or septic tank
  3. Disposal of waste from deep farmhouse sinks

If you are searching for different sorts of trash disposal systems, you may want to consider the many possibilities for motors, mounts, and feeds, among other things. We also have a page dedicated to this topic, which you can find here.

1. Waste disposal for dishwashers

A dishwasher can be connected to your trash disposal unit if the equipment contains an adapter that allows you to connect the dishwasher hose. The reason for connecting your dishwasher to your food waste processor is, first and foremost, a mystery. A dishwasher cleans your filthy dishes, cutlery, pots and pans, and other kitchen utensils. In addition, a large amount of food waste is flushed down the toilet during the cleaning procedure. In order to avoid blocking your drain pipes, it is recommended that you grind your food waste using a food waste disposal.

Furthermore, it is more practical and space-saving to connect your dishwasher hose to the trash disposal rather than utilizing a variety of drain connection components to bypass the garbage disposal unit.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly disposal and intend to connect it to a dishwasher, double-check that the trash disposal you choose has the essential inlet before making your purchase.

More information about connecting a dishwasher to a garbage disposal may be found here. Alternatively, locate your dishwasher connecting kit.

2. Waste disposal for a septic system or septic tank

What if you have an aseptic system instead of a standard sewer system? Can you use your trash disposal then? Unconnected sewerage systems are most typically utilized in locations where there are no connected sewerage systems, therefore a septic tank is used to store residential sanitary wastewater underground in a waterproof tank. If your wastewater is being held in a septic tank, it is not suggested that you use a regular garbage disposal device to dispose of it. What is the reason behind this?

3. Garbage disposal for a deep farmhouse sinks

Having a deep sink in your kitchen, such as a farmhouse sink, might make it difficult to locate a trash disposal that fits in the limited cabinet space available in your kitchen. Deep sinks or farmhouse sinks already take up a lot of cabinet space, so you’ll need a compact waste disposal that isn’t too tall to fit in the cabinet. So, how tall or how short does the disposal unit have to be to be effective? There should be at least 4 inches of clearance between the bottom of your sink and the floor of your kitchen cabinet when installing a trash disposal (including the mounting bracket).

In order to determine which trash disposal will fit under your traditional farmhouse sink, consider the following: Look over at our list of the top 10 trash disposals for the house, where we propose the small InSinkErator Evolution Compact garbage disposal.

What type of garbage disposal do most people buy?

After all, a specialized waste disposal system isn’t required. The majority of customers purchase a continuous feed trash disposal that generates 3/4 to 1 horsepower; for more information, see our suggestions for strong food waste disposals. These sorts of high-powered trash disposals are capable of handling the majority of food waste and may be utilized for medium- to heavy-duty applications in an ordinary home. Because of the high quality and convenience of installation of the waste disposals from InSinkErator and Waste King, they are among the most often used.

Visit this page to see our comparison of Waste King and InSinkErator garbage disposals.

Check out this link to check the best-selling items on Amazon.

Garbage Disposal GuideTips for buying a garbage disposal

Refer to the Garbage Disposal Guide for further information.

How to Break Down Poop in a Septic Tank

A septic tank is a tank that breaks down waste. Image courtesy of shayneppl/iStock/Getty Images. Homes that are located apart from municipal plumbing systems rely on their own septic systems to handle waste.

It is necessary to do regular maintenance on septic systems in order for them to function at their peak performance levels. Maintaining your septic tank will guarantee that it breaks down feces as effectively and as hygienically as it possibly can.

Using Treatments for Septic Tanks

There are a variety of store-bought septic tank treatments available that can aid in the breakdown of the contents of your tank and, as a result, reduce the accumulation of debris over time. Every month, one of your toilets will need to be flushed with one of these formulas. With a solution like RID-X, you can help avoid the accumulation of sludge that can cause your septic tank to clog by treating it on a consistent basis. Keeping your septic tank clear of obstructions will assist to guarantee that it is more effective and hygienically safer, as well as more efficient.

  • In addition to breaking down toilet paper and certain food stuff, lipase also breaks down lipids, protease breaks down proteins, and amylase breaks down starches and starch-based carbohydrates.
  • It is possible to use these solutions to prevent septic tank blockages from occurring in the first place, as well as to maintain a balanced bacterial environment in your septic tank.
  • Considering that septic tanks require frequent treatment, the financial commitment required to utilize a store-bought solution might be substantial.
  • According to the Farmer’s Almanac, for example, baker’s yeast can aid in the breakdown of septic waste solids by promoting the breakdown of lactic acid bacteria.
  • Repeat this method with 1/4 cup of instant yeast at least once every four months after that, which can assist you in maintaining a healthy bacterial level in your septic tank.
  • Because of this, you do not want to dilute your septic tank while the treatment is in progress.
  • There are a number of other recommendations that you may follow to ensure that your septic tank operates as efficiently as possible.
  • Wipes, hygiene goods, and food for garbage disposals should all be handled with extra caution since they all have the potential to block a septic tank.
  • Septic tanks depend on their bacterial balance to break down solid wastes, which includes feces, and any disruption of this equilibrium might result in problems.

Finally, it’s critical to have your septic tank examined and pumped out by a professional service provider every three to five years to ensure that it’s operating properly.

Maintain Your Septic System Naturally

On December 5, 2020, the information was updated. However, while this isn’t an enjoyable topic for polite discussion, having your septic system back up into your home is far from pleasant. There are actions that you can do to not only avoid septic issues in the future, but also to guarantee that the process of breaking down flushed waste proceeds as it should.

A Well-Functioning Septic System

The title of this article may be “The Care and Maintenance of the Gut in Your Yard,” which would be more descriptive. Understanding the necessity and advantages of eating dietary fiber, alkaline-forming foods, and taking probiotics for your own gut health will help you recognize the similarities between keeping a healthy septic system and maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are some items that you should avoid putting into any septic system, just as there are certain substances that are favorable to putting into our own digestive systems.

If you wait until there is a problem, you have waited too long and should contact a septic cleaning firm to pump your tank immediately.

Septic System Care and Maintenance Tips:

  • A family of four living in a house with a 1,000-gallon tank should have their septic system cleaned every four years, according to the EPA. Inquire with your local septic cleaning firm about how frequently you should contact them
  • Avoid using bleach-containing solutions to clean your toilets since it kills the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of waste particles in your septic system. Try this all-natural toilet cleanser
  • It works great.
  • When you add yeast to your septic system, it helps to aggressively break down waste particles, which is beneficial. Using the first time, flush a 12-cup package of dried baking yeast down the toilet. After the initial addition, add 14 cup of instant yeast every 4 months for the next 4 months. For those who are planning to install or have their existing septic system pumped, it’s a good idea to know precisely where it is in your yard so that you don’t have to dig up a lot of your lawn when the system is pumped in the future. With a tape measure, measure the precise distance between the septic tank lid and the home, and then snap a photo of the exact distance with your mobile phone to prove you were accurate. Maintain a copy of the snapshot in a home maintenance file on your computer for future reference.
Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living and healthy lifestyle writer who has written seven non-fiction books, including Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. She lives in Hawaii with her family. Since 2004, she has contributed to the Farmers’ Almanac as a writer.

Keep Exploring

For those of you living in homes that have a septic system, you are undoubtedly already cautious about what you flush down the toilet. This is vitally crucial for the health of the septic tank as well as for preventing blockages, which can be exceedingly nasty and expensive if they occur. The following is a question we see frequently: “Can I use a trash disposal in my kitchen even if I have a septic tank?” We have excellent news for you – sure, you can take advantage of the convenience provided by a waste disposal.

Food waste in a septic tank

Always remember that food waste will decompose more slowly than toilet paper, so take this into consideration when you are using your garbage disposal. The more food you throw down the kitchen sink, the faster your septic tank will fill up, potentially necessitating the need to have it pumped sooner rather than later. Organic products such as fruits and vegetables are not harmful to the septic system, but you may want to consider setting up a composting bin to reduce the amount of waste you generate.

How to use a garbage disposal properly when you have a septic tank

If you decide to go ahead and install a garbage disposal, please sure you follow the following instructions:

  • It is not acceptable to flush down the toilet any things that do not degrade, such as paper, plastic, glass, metals, coffee grounds, big seeds and nuts, shells, pharmaceuticals, and so on. Keep fibrous vegetables (celery, onions, corn husks) and foods that expand when exposed to water (pasta and rice) out of the compost pile as much as possible. When running the blades, use cold water to harden any grease, fats, or oils that may have gotten into the drain when running the blades. After each usage, wash the blades with dish soap and cold water to remove any residue.

Advantages of a septic-assist garbage disposal

The purchase of a waste disposal equipment that is designed exclusively for septic systems is an additional alternative to consider.

This type of trash disposal, which is known as a septic-assist garbage disposal, is distinguished by its somewhat unusual design and the presence of a cartridge that emits a liquid that assists in breaking down food and solid waste, thereby reducing the strain on the pipes and septic tank.

Garbage disposal installation

You should be cautious while using a garbage disposal and septic tank since they might interact negatively. It doesn’t hurt to consult with a competent plumber before proceeding with the installation of one in your kitchen. The plumbing professionals at Reidelt are delighted to provide knowledgeable and courteous service throughout Northwest Indiana and South Cook County in Illinois. Contact us at (219) 322-4906 to make an appointment.

  • Category:Garbage Disposal
  • Date published: April 30, 2020
  • Description:

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