The Most Recommended Treatments
- The Best Overall: Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment.
- Great for those on a Budget: Green Gobbler SEPTIC SAVER Bacteria Enzyme Pacs.
- Best for Clogs: Instant Power 1868 Septic Shock.
- The Best Monthly Treatment: Walex BIO-31112 Bio-Active Septic Tank Treatment Drop-Ins.
What cleaning products are safe for septic tanks?
- Cleaning Products Safe for Septic Systems. Vinegar is a very effective cleaner for most household surfaces. It can be used to remove stains from tile or porcelain, eliminate hard water stains from shower doors and is an excellent choice for cleaning a smelly dishwasher or washing machine. It is the best choice for cleaning a toilet bowl.
How do you naturally treat a septic tank?
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
What is the best chemical to put in a septic tank?
Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes Rid-X helps to prevent septic backups by continuously breaking down household waste — the natural bacteria and advanced enzymes start working immediately to attack paper, protein, oils, and grease. One pouch of is a one-month dose for septic tanks between 700 and 1,500 gallons.
How do I keep my septic tank clear?
Here are a few tips for maintaining your septic system, so the drains flow freely.
- Put Only Toilet Paper in the Toilet. Toilet paper dissolves much faster than other paper products.
- Keep Grease out of the Sink Drain.
- Call for Help When Your Drains Become Slow.
What kills bacteria in a septic tank?
For example, while chlorine bleach is a useful disinfectant in the home, it kills beneficial septic tank bacteria. In addition to bleach, avoid constant use of antibacterial soap and harsh drain cleaners. Also, many toilet bowl cleaners have bleach or hydrochloric acid, which kills septic tank bacteria.
What can break down poop in septic tank?
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.
How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?
How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping
- Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
- Break up any compacted sludge.
- Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
- Maintain the aeration system.
- Add additional Microbes as required.
Is Ridex good for a septic system?
How additives, like Rid-x, interfere with your septic system’s eco-system. According to the EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, not only are additives like Rid-X not recommended, but they actually have a detrimental and potentially hazardous effect on your septic system’s waste treatment process.
Should I put additives in my septic tank?
There is little scientific data to suggest that you should add bacteria or enzymes to your septic system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks.
Do septic tanks need additives?
Septic tanks are designed to take care of waste disposal on their own — no additives needed. With regular septic tank pumping and inspections, a septic system should last decades. A septic system is used primarily in rural areas without access to city sewer systems.
How can you tell if your septic is clogged?
Signs of Septic System Clogging: Water and sewage from toilets, drains and sinks backing up into your home. Bathtubs, showers, and sinks draining slowly. Gurgling sounds present in the plumbing system. Bad odors coming from the septic tank or drain field.
Why is my septic tank full again?
There may be several reasons why you have an overfilled septic tank. An overfilled septic tank is often a signal that your drain field is malfunctioning. The water flow backs up when your drain field floods, causing the water level in your septic tank to rise. Other common issues are plumbing and excess water use.
What’s the best bacteria to put in a septic tank?
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.
Are Epsom salts safe for septic tanks?
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.
Amazon.com: Septic Tank Treatment – 1 Year Supply of Dissolvable Easy Flush Live Bacteria Packets (12 Count) – Best Way to Prevent Expensive Sewage Backups – Made in USA : Health & Household
Q:Can you tell me about the substances in this product? A:Our treatment packages are made entirely of natural ingredients, including billions of bacteria cultures that have been carefully chosen to create enzymes that break down solid waste. There are no dangerous ingredients in this product! Q:How many packs should I use for my project? A:1 per month is sufficient for the majority of households. If your tank holds more than 1000 gallons or your home has more than four bedrooms, we recommend two cleanings every month.
In fact, our treatment packs not only keep proactive bacteria and enzymes active in your septic tank, but they also assist to clean the lines leading to the tank and the drain field beyond it as well.
Is it necessary to include septic treatment?
Antibacterial soaps, strong detergents, and even fabric softeners can kill beneficial bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of substances in the environment.
Q:Does it work for people who travel by RV?
We supply billions of bacteria to break down particles, accelerate anaerobic digestion, and minimize odor in any holding tank.
How to Care for Your Septic System
Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:
- It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on septic system maintenance because it is not difficult. There are four main components to upkeep:
Inspect and Pump Frequently
Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.
- The size of the household
- The total amount of wastewater produced
- The amount of solids present in wastewater
- The size of the septic tank
Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.
• The total amount of wastewater produced by a household The amount of solids in wastewater is measured in cubic meters. a measure of the size of the septic tank
Use Water Efficiently
In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system.
A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure. The Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program offers several simple strategies to conserve water as well as water-efficient goods.
- Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
- Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.
Properly Dispose of Waste
Toilets with a high level of efficacy 25 to 30 percent of total home water use is attributed to toilet flushing. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water every flush or less in some instances. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the quantity of household water that gets into your septic system; aerators for faucets and showerheads with high efficiency Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restrictions.
Water waste may be reduced by selecting the appropriate load size.
Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week as much as possible.
Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than normal ones.
Toilets aren’t trash cans!
Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:
- Cooking grease or oil
- Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
- Photographic solutions
- Feminine hygiene items Condoms
- Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners
Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.
Think at the sink!
Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:
- Septic systems are made up of a variety of live organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. In addition to killing these creatures, dumping poisons down the drain might damage your septic system. It makes no difference if you’re standing at the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, or the laundry sink:
Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?
If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.
- The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.
Maintain Your Drainfield
It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:
- Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.
The Best Septic Tank Treatments
It’s easy to forget about your septic tank, which means it’s also simple to forget about the regular maintenance that needs to be performed on it. You rely on your septic system on a daily basis, so if you neglect to do routine maintenance, you might find yourself in a stinky situation.
Why are Treatments Important?
Septic tanks function by transporting wastewater from your property down into a tank. Afterwards, bacteria within the tank dissolves and eats the waste, dividing it into solids and liquids as a result. The liquids are subsequently channeled into the earth through perforated pipework. A drain field is the name given to this particular stretch of terrain. When liquids move through the drain field, the layers of rocks, minerals, and dirt purify the water before reintroducing it to the groundwater system, resulting in cleaner water.
A septic tank treatment should be applied on a regular basis in order to give the beneficial bacteria in the system a boost.
A monthly dosage of the medication maintains your tanks operating properly and prevents them from becoming damaged or worn out too soon. Along with monthly treatments, it is advised that you empty your tank once every two years or sooner if possible.
Different Types of Treatments
Septic tanks function by channeling wastewater from your home into a holding tank. Afterwards, bacteria in the tank dissolves and eats the waste, dividing it into solids and liquids as it does so. The liquids are subsequently channeled into the earth through perforated pipe. A drain field is the name given to this piece of earth. After passing through the drain field, where it is cleaned by a layer of rocks, minerals and soils, the water is re-injected back into the groundwater system. System maintenance is essential in order to keep systems like this running efficiently.
A monthly dosage of the medication ensures that your tanks operate correctly and that they do not wear out prematurely.
Important Factors
Type of Septic Tank Treatment – Septic tank treatments are available in a number of forms, with the most popular being pods, tablet form, powder, and liquid. Pods and pills are the most common options since they are handy and come in pre-packaged quantities that are easy to administer. Powders, on the other hand, are a little more difficult to work with because they require you to measure out the exact amount for the size tank you are using. When it comes to liquids, the doses must be calibrated in the same way that powders are, however these sorts of treatments are only intended for major blockages and not for routine cleaning.
- As an alternative, you must take into account the size of your septic tank.
- The medication may have the unintended consequence of disrupting the bacterial environment and altering the enzyme balance to an excessive degree.
- Price – When purchasing a treatment, price should always be a consideration, and in this situation, price does influence the quality of the therapy.
- Tank treatments that are reasonably priced range in price from $15 to $35 for a product that will last a number of months.
The Most Recommended Treatments
- The Best Overall: Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment
- Excellent for Those on a Budget: Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment Green Gobbler SEPTIC SAVER Bacteria Enzyme Pacs
- Best for Clogs: Green Gobbler SEPTIC SAVER Bacteria Enzyme Pacs Septic Shock, 1868, with Instantaneous Power
- The Most Effective Monthly Treatment: When purchasing in bulk, Walex BIO-31112 Bio-Active Septic Tank Treatment Drop-Ins are the best value. GreenPig Solutions 53 Concentrated Septic Tank Treatment is also a good choice.
Super Terry knows Septic Systems
Don’t be concerned about sewage or a flooded front yard; we’ll make sure your septic system is operating at peak efficiency and safety. To book an evaluation, please contact us by phone or online.
DIY Septic Tank Treatment
Septic tank systems are notoriously difficult to maintain and may be quite expensive when they fail.
Over the course of almost two decades, we’ve only had to pump our septic tank once. Here’s how we maintain our system running smoothly: DIY Septic Tank Treatment
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, thereby 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!).
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
It is simple and inexpensive to cure a septic tank with DIY remedies. Three or four rotting tomatoes, disposed of through our garbage disposal, are “fed” to our septic tank every three months or so. Making sure you split the tomato up and passing about 1/2 a tomato or so at a time through the water while the water is running is critical to ensuring it is properly flushed is the key. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal, you can put 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!).
Empty the contents of the bag into a toilet (do not use bleach!).
Normally, having rotten tomatoes every few months isn’t a problem because the garden overproduces in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are always inevitably a few extras available.
However, during the winter months, tomatoes have gotten pushed to the back of the fridge and begun to liquefy before I realized what was happening. This means that they won’t go to waste in the end.
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!
A septic tank treatment might assist you in keeping the septic tank in your house clean. Moreover, it is an excellent method of reducing the number of times you will need to empty the tank. Septic tank treatment systems function by introducing bacteria into your home’s septic tank, which dissolves waste materials and reduces foul odors that might arise from your septic tank system. Septic tank treatment systems are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Microbial bacteria in your septic tank are a type of bacteria that is beneficial to your health since they break down many different forms of waste and convert it to water and carbon dioxide.
Step 1 – Choose a Septic Tank Treatment
A septic tank treatment might assist you in keeping the septic tank in your house clean. Moreover, it is an excellent method of reducing the number of times you will need to empty the tank. Septic tank treatment systems function by introducing bacteria into your home’s septic tank, which dissolves waste materials and reduces foul odors that might arise from your septic tank system. Septic tank treatment systems are available in a variety of sizes and shapes. Microbial bacteria in your septic tank are a type of bacteria that is beneficial to your health since they break down many different forms of waste and convert it to water and carbon dioxide.
Step 2 – Read Instructions Carefully
Precautions should be taken before using a septic tank treatment. Carefully read the directions on the box before using it.
Most essential, you will need to use the proper quantity of treatment in your system in order to get the best results and remove and convert the most amount of waste product. Using the incorrect amount of treatment will result in poor outcomes.
Step 3 – Clean and Rinse Toilet Thoroughly
Read the package directions thoroughly before using the septic tank treatment. If you have any questions, call your local septic tank treatment company for assistance. First and foremost, you will need to employ the proper quantity of treatment in your system in order to get the best outcomes and to clear and convert the most amount of waste product possible, according to your system’s design specifications.
Step 4 – Pour Septic Tank Treatment into Toilet Bowl
Pay attention to the guidelines that come with the septic tank treatment and use the appropriate quantity of treatment to flush your toilet bowl. You will notice that the active bacteria and enzymes in your toilet bowl begin to bubble and fizz almost immediately after they have been introduced. Simply closing the toilet bowl cover and walking away from the treatment area will allow the treatment to do its task.
Step 5 – Wait Suggested Amount of Time
Pay attention to the recommendations that come with the septic tank treatment and use the appropriate quantity of treatment in your toilet bowl. As soon as the active bacteria and enzymes enter your toilet bowl, you will notice that the water in the bowl begins to bubble and fizz. Simply closing the toilet bowl cover and walking away from the toilet bowl will allow the treatment to do its task. –
Step 6 – Perform Follow Up Treatments
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and provide follow-up treatments as needed. You will often only need to execute a septic tank treatment once a month in the vast majority of circumstances.
Should we use septic tank additives and do they really work?
The efficacy of septic tank additives is a subject of intense discussion in the scientific community. The most common reason why individuals are warned against using septic tank additives is the misconception that adding an addition totally eliminates the need for pumping or other maintenance operations. However, while it is true that additives increase the effectiveness and durability of septic systems, the owner of the system must still adhere to the regular pumping plan. Every septic system owner should be reminded that even when utilizing biological additives, they should still pump their tanks once every three to five years, according to Purdue University researchers.
What are septic tank additives made of?
The other reason why some individuals are against additives is because they have had a terrible experience with some of the poor quality additives that are now available on the market. So, what characteristics distinguish an excellent additive? Let’s have a look at the primary ingredients that are utilized in the production of septic tank additives.
Chemical septic tank additives
The most significant disadvantage of chemical additions is that they operate under the premise that the septic tank has sufficient bacteria and enzymes. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case, especially given the fact that the majority of households employ items that reduce the effectiveness of bacteria. The following are some of the most often seen chemical additive components: Calcium Calcium is one of the most often used chemical additions, and it is also one of the most abundant. In general, the concept behind utilizing calcium as an addition is that it elevates the pH levels in sewage, so creating an environment that is favourable for optimal bacterial activity.
- Although it appears to be a smart idea on paper, the reality is that calcium will really do more harm than benefit.
- As if things weren’t bad enough, the calcium may also act as a flocculant, which will cause solid waste to suspend in the septic tank and finally make its way into the leach field.
- Sodium bicarbonate is preferable to calcium because it increases the alkalinity of the septic tank, rather than increasing the pH of the tank.
- The action of flocculants and surfactants is to reduce the tension that exists between molecules.
- The same concept is used by the additives that make use of these items to allow the particles to break down and flow smoothly with the waste water.
However, when biosurfactants are used in conjunction with bacteria, there is an exception to the general norm. Consequently, the biosurfactant will actually aid the bacteria in their digestion of organic waste.
Nutrients
The introduction of food into the sewage system is the goal of several septic tank additives. Bacteria, like any other living entity, require nourishment in order to maintain their existence. As a result, these additions provide minerals, carbon, grain, meat, protein, and other kinds of sustenance for the bacteria. These additives, on the other hand, have two major drawbacks. First and foremost, they operate on the assumption that the septic tank has the appropriate types of bacteria in proper quantities.
Enzymes
We manufacture enzymes in our bodies to assist in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients by our bodies. Enzymes serve a similar role in the treatment of sewage in septic tanks. In the process, they break down the complicated chemicals, making them more appetizing to bacteria. Yeast is one of the most often utilized products in the production of enzymes, but it faces a number of challenges, the most significant of which is that it lacks the enzymes required for the decomposition of FOG and hair protein.
Bio-additives Sol’s are derived from both enzymes and bacteria, so avoiding this usual stumbling block.
- Lipase is a digestive enzyme that converts the molecular structure of lipids into water. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that digests carbohydrates by converting them into a soluble solution. It contains the enzyme protease, which deodorizes and liquefies solid wastes. Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that aids in the breakdown of toilet paper.
CAUTION: Despite the fact that yeast contains enzymes, it is not recommended to introduce yeast into the septic system. The absence of bacteria in the yeast means that your system may have an imbalance between enzymes and bacteria, which will result in foaming, which can result in suspended particles being pushed into the leachbed before they can be digested by bacteria.
Bacteria
As a result of flushing the toilet after passing stool, the proper bacteria is introduced into the septic tank together with the feces. Bacteria are a natural component of the digestive secretions produced by the human body. These bacteria perform best when the pH is regulated and the temperature is maintained at body temperature. So, why would you want to add bacteria-containing chemicals to your septic system, anyway? There are a handful of valid explanations for this. Most importantly, the addition of highly-trained specialist bacteria into the system will aid to improve its overall efficiency since the specialized bacteria are specifically engineered to withstand higher temperature variations as well as greater swings in pH value fluctuations.
The use of a good biological additive to replenish the system is recommended since bacteria decrease and pH levels are disrupted as a result of the usage of dangerous items.
The biological ingredient in Bio-septic Sol’s system brings billions of bacteria and enzymes into your septic system, which is why it has been shown to be effective in the cleaning of septic systems.
Conclusion
Chemical septic tank additives can actually be harmful to the septic tank since they destroy the microorganisms in the tank and pollute the surrounding environment. In order to avoid them entirely, it is recommended that you do so. Biological additives, on the other hand, are completely harmless to the environment and the septic tank, and they can even assist to increase the efficiency and durability of the septic tank. Only one word of caution should be heeded while utilizing biological additions: keep in mind that not all biological additives are created equal.
7 Tips to Take Care of Your Septic System
In addition to harming the environment, chemical septic tank additives can harm the septic tank by killing bacteria in the tank. As a result, it is best to stay away from them entirely. Biological additives, on the other hand, are completely harmless to the environment and the septic tank, and they can even assist to increase the efficiency and durability of the septic tank itself! When employing biological additions, the main thing to keep in mind is that not all biological additives are created equally.
Maintaining a home’s septic system may seem like a daunting and stinky task, but it’s really not. Being mindful of what you’re doing inside the home will keep the system healthy.
Preventing and treating problems with your septic system is not difficult and does not have to be expensive. Failure to maintain your septic system, on the other hand, might result in significant financial loss, since digging up and rebuilding a septic system can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
What Is a Septic System?
Because it handles all of the wastewater that comes from your home, including the water from the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room, if your home is not connected to a municipal water and sewer system, your septic system is essential. Septic systems are generally comprised of a tank, into which wastewater is channeled for treatment and the particles are separated from the liquid. Microorganisms break down the organic stuff in wastewater, allowing it to be recycled. A perforated pipe system transports wastewater from there to a drain or leach field, which collects the effluent.
Get Familiar With Your Septic System
Understanding how your septic tank works, what sort of system it is, and where it is placed are all important first steps in proper maintenance. The county or town should keep a record of the permit, as well as a chart showing the tank’s layout and placement, because state rules demand a permit for septic system installation. Visual clues, such as sewage covers, or the direction in which the sewer pipe, which is located in the basement, runs out of the home, may be able to assist you in your search.
Have It Pumped Routinely
Every three to five years, the ordinary residential septic system should be pumped (that is, the sediments should be removed). According on the size of the tank, the typical price of pumping a residential septic tank is between $300 and $600. When you contact a septic service company, they will also inspect your septic tank for leaks and evaluate the sludge layers in your tank for any problems.
Remember to save a copy of any maintenance paperwork pertaining to work performed on your septic tank. They will come in helpful if there are any difficulties with the house or if you decide to sell it.
Spread Your Washing Machine/Dishwasher Usage Throughout the Week
You may believe that scheduling a “laundry day,” during which you wash all of your clothing and possibly even run your dishwasher, would save you time. However, it puts a great deal of strain on your septic system. If you don’t allow your septic system enough time to process the wastewater, you risk overloading the system and flooding your drainfield with wastewater. Replace this with doing a full load of laundry (to ensure that you are not wasting water) a couple of times a week.
Don’t Treat Your Toilet Like a Trash Can
The only item that should be flushed down the toilet that does not come out of your body is toilet paper. Everything else should be discarded. This implies that there will be no tissues, diapers, feminine items, hair, dental floss, or anything else. Toilet paper is supposed to decompose in the septic tank after it has been used. Any additional materials are not permitted; they will clog and cause harm to your septic tank. Make sure you use toilet paper that is safe for use with your septic system.
Think About What You Dump Down the Kitchen Sink Drain
We flush a variety of items down the kitchen sink that might cause serious damage to a septic system. Never flush objects down the sink drain, including coffee grounds, eggshells, medicine, produce stickers, flour, and other such items. All of these things can clog pipes and cause screens to get obstructed. Do not dispose of any oil, including cooking oils and paint, grease, and fat since these substances will block your sewer line and cause it to back up into your home. Even dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter are harmful if they are flushed down the toilet.
When you use a garbage disposal in conjunction with a septic tank, the ground-up food particles contribute to the layer of solids that accumulates at the bottom of the tank’s bottom.
Be Careful With Cleaning Chemicals
Cleaning agents that homeowners use can be harmful to the beneficial microorganisms in their septic systems. When washing textiles, avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach. If you absolutely must, use only a little quantity of the product. Use of drain cleaners is discouraged since, in addition to destroying beneficial bacteria, they can cause harm to the tank itself. Alternatively, if a plunger does not work, a toilet drain snake, which is also effective on clogged kitchen and bathroom sinks, may be used.
Quaternary ammonia is also present in antibacterial soaps and disinfectants, which should be avoided.
Protect Your Drainfield
As previously said, proper management of your drainfield begins with careful monitoring of water consumption and the materials that enter your septic system. Never drive or park a vehicle on top of your drainage system.
Make certain that gutters and sump pumps discharge water far enough away from the drainfield to prevent flooding. Avoid growing trees and bushes in close proximity to the drainfield since the roots of these plants might interfere with the pipes.
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.
