Your septic tank naturally contains good bacteria, and you won't really need to do much to put good bacteria in the septic tank. You can use additives like active yeast, rotten tomatoes, or store-bought septic enzymes or chemicals if you'd like, but typically, the system will produce beneficial bacteria on its own.
The best way to keep your septic system working well is not to put anything in it except human waste and minimize kitchen & laundry waste. Also, pump the tank according to industry recommendations (once every 3-5 years). Those are the most important things you can do to keep your septic system working properly.
Biological additives. Biological septic tank additives include yeasts, natural bacteria, and enzymes. They are meant to improve the bacterial flora in septic tanks and drain fields, control biomass, and reactivate dormant septic systems.
Enzymes go to work on the scum, and bacteria goes to work on the sludge. The microbes eat the waste and convert large portions of it into liquids and gases. This process allows the septic tank to push the now-treated wastewater out to the drainfield.
As an added benefit for your septic system, the finely grained Epsom salt will promote vegetation growth over your drain field, which helps prevent it from becoming water laden during heavy rains.
Septic systems rely on bacteria inside the tank that works to break down toilet paper and solid waste. As the solids get broken down, they are transformed into sludge that settles at the very bottom of the tank.
For maintenance, pour about 1 gallon of boiling water down the drain weekly. Pour ½ cup baking soda and ½ cup vinegar down drain. Close drain tightly until fizzing stops. Flush with one gallon boiling water.
Tree roots are a septic system's worst nightmare. They surround the system for its water and damage the leach field and tank. Large roots have been known to crack septic tanks and make mincemeat out of drain fields. Plant trees away from the septic system to avoid root encroachment and damage.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for septic systems. It's got quite a reputation for being septic-friendly, and for good reason. As long as you're not going overboard with it, Dawn isn't likely to mess with the bacteria in your septic tank.
In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.
You can replenish good bacteria in your septic tank by adding three rotten tomatoes or 1/4 ounce of yeast every three months. Put three overripe tomatoes in the garbage disposal while running the faucet. Or pour 1/4 ounce of yeast in the toilet and flush it down.
Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system. Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Avoid using a garburator to dispose of kitchen wastes.
Use Baking Soda
By flushing 1/2 cup of baking soda down the toilet weekly, you can help to maintain the pH balance in the tank and encourage beneficial bacteria to break down waste.
The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained! Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
FEED YOUR SYSTEM ROTTEN TOMATOES EVERY SO OFTEN
3-4 rotten tomatoes every 4 months should be enough to provide good bacteria to your septic system and break down your waste.
Active dry yeast is one ingredient you can use. Once a month, take a quarter of a packet and flush it down the toilet.
Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system. They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system.
Yes. Charmin is septic safe and thoroughly tested to ensure it will settle in a septic tank and then undergo biodegradation in the tank.
Anaerobic bacteria begin eating the sludge. The bacteria digest it, releasing simple gases and liquids. Separation: Once the anaerobic bacteria have eaten the sludge, liquid from the tank slowly flows through the septic pipes. The pipes have holes, allowing the water to leak into the surrounding ground.
Take a cup of vinegar and a cup of water and mix them in a ratio of 1:1. After diluting the vinegar, pour it down the drain, and finally, use warm water to flush it down. However, in order to avoid harming the bacteria, make sure not to use vinegar excessively.
Hydrogen peroxide, once promoted as an infiltration field reconditioner, has been found to actually degrade soil structure and compromise long-term viability of soil treatment potential. Its use to unclog failed infiltration fields is no longer recommended.
Septic systems are not intended to dispose of food waste, coffee grounds, grease, or fat, and, in fact, they will harm the septic tank. Try using a compost pile for non-meat food waste; it will help you avoid paying for unnecessary septic system repairs! Don't use a kitchen garbage disposal.