A properly functioning septic tank is essential for homeowners who have to rely on a septic tank for wastewater management. One of the most common concerns for septic system owners is the buildup of waste solids within the tank. These waste solids may lead to clogs, backups, and costly repairs. To ensure your septic system is running smoothly, it’s very important to understand what you can add to your septic tank to assist in breaking down waste solids and prevent any issues or system failure in the future.
In this full-scale guide, we’ll cover:
How a septic tank works
What breaks down solids naturally
Septic-safe additives to promote healthy bacteria
What NOT to put in your septic tank
Best practices for maintaining a healthy septic system
Prior to discussing what to put in your septic tank to better break down waste solids, it's very important to understand how the overall system works.
A septic tank is an underground container which collects and treats wastewater which originates from your home. The septic system consists of three layers:
Scum Layer: This layer consists of oils, fats, and grease which will float to the top of the septic tank
Effluent Layer: This layer is located within the middle of the septic tank and it contains liquid wastewater which will flow to the drain field
Sludge Layer: This layer is located at the bottom of the septic tank and will contain waste which settles and is broken down by beneficial bacteria
As time goes on, the sludge layer will begin to accumulate, and if it isn’t breaking down properly, this could lead to backups and overflow. Regular pumping of your septic tank and using natural septic treatments may help manage this buildup, when done correctly.
The key component when it comes to breaking down solids in a septic tank is a health balance of “good bacteria". These good bacteria will assist in digesting organic waste, turning it into liquid and gas. If your septic tank system has a proper balance of good bacteria, it will break down solids much more efficiently without requiring the need for excessive additives.
Enzymes will work alongside natural bacteria to accelerate the efficiency of the breakdown with proteins, fats, and carbohydrates residing within your septic tank.
Human waste will naturally contain bacteria and microbes which help in digesting solid waste materials. If you’re not using excessive amounts of chemicals which could kill the good bacteria in your septic tank, your septic system should be able to maintain a healthy microbial environment within.
A healthy septic system does not require additives to function at its best, as there are certain products which will enhance the natural breakdown process of waste solids. Below, you’ll find some of the best septic-safe options when it comes to properly breaking down waste solids:
These additives are commercially available products which contain live bacterial cultures
Septic tank bacteria additives will help to boost the good bacteria population within your septic tank, improving overall waste breakdown efficiency
Baking yeast is a natural and inexpensive method you can use to promote good bacterial growth
Yeast will feed the existing bacteria and assist with organic matter digestion
Simply flush ½ cup of baking yeast down the toilet once per month to promote good bacterial growth within your septic tank
These products contain a mix of bacteria and enzymes to assist in breaking down waste solids faster
These treatments are safe for your septic system and are typically environmentally friendly
You should try your best to avoid introducing these chemical cleaning agents into your home's septic tank system:
Bleach will end up killing necessary bacteria which helps to break down waste solids
If bleach must be used, be sure to dilute any of the bleach, so as to reduce the concentration levels
Antibacterial soaps and disinfectants will eventually affect the natural bacteria needed for proper waste breakdown
Use eco-friendly, biodegradable soaps instead
Grease, oil, and fat will eventually clog your septic system
Dispose of grease in a separate container, and toss out in your trash
Coffee grounds do not break down easily and may eventually cause blockages
Compost your coffee grounds, or simply toss them in the trash
Paper towels, wet wipes, and feminine hygiene products will NOT break down in a septic system
Be sure to only flush toilet paper and human waste
Toxic chemicals will harm the natural bacteria within your septic tank and may contaminate groundwater
Properly dispose of these materials at hazardous waste facilities to avoid contamination to your septic system, your water table, and your local environment
A family of four should pump their household’s septic tank around every 3-5 years
This will help to prevent any excess sludge buildup over time where additives alone are unable to manage
Try to limit water waste by reducing the strain on your septic system with low-flow toilets and showerheads
Resolve any leaky faucets and spread out your loads of laundry to every other day if possible
Do NOT park any vehicles, plant trees, or place any heavy structures over the drain field
Divert rainwater runoff away from the drain field to help in preventing oversaturation
Try to use biodegradable and septic-safe soaps, detergent, and toilet paper, as these will break down much more efficiently than their traditional counterparts
Avoid chlorine-based cleaners and try to incorporate natural alternatives instead
Enlist the help of a septic professional to inspect your system every 1-2 years
Identifying small issues, before they become major issues, is crucial when it comes to preventing expensive repairs
A properly maintained septic system will be able to naturally break down solids through bacteria and enzymes. A well-balanced system usually won’t require additives, there are benefits to introducing septic-safe bacteria boosters, enzymes, or natural treatments. These treatments may support and accelerate the solid waste breakdown within your septic tank system.
The best way to maintain your septic system is to proactively address any issues and incorporate best practices into your septic system maintenance routine. Through avoiding damaging chemicals and scheduling regular pumping of your septic tank, you can prevent septic tank overflows and costly repairs.
Through following the guidelines listed throughout this guide, you and your household will be able to enjoy your septic system for many years to come. Feel free to browse through our wide array of septic supply products by clicking the button below. We’re looking forward to working with you soon!
Leave a comment