Important Facts about Septic Tank Bacteria
Homes that are located in the rural areas of the community know the value of a properly maintained septic tank; bacteria that lives within the system helps to keep it running smoothly and effectively. It is when the balance of bacteria is upset that the system will tend to back up and cause issues, so it is wise to learn about the essential and beneficial properties of these bacteria to avoid problems in the future.
Septic systems are a means of safely carrying waste from the home. Water that is eliminated from the toilet, sink, shower or bathtub traverses through a concrete tunnel until it reaches the septic tank. There are numerous naturally occurring bacteria that exist within the tank with a specific purpose: to process waste matter. As wastewater enters the tank, solid waste matter sinks to the bottom of the tank to become sludge while wastes such as oils and food particles stay at the top to form scum. Between these two layers is one of water that is gradually carried out to a drain field through a pipe. In a healthy septic system, the bacteria slow the layer of sludge from accumulating to excessive levels while also dissipating organic matter.
Many homeowners in attempts to sanitize and clean their homes use products that can be potentially harmful when they reach the septic tank. In a world where manufacturers tout products that are designed to kill germs and bacteria, the number of antibacterial soaps, bleaches and cleaners available to the consumer are monumental. These products do their job by killing bacteria on surfaces, but their work doesn’t stop there. As these soaps and cleaners move through the drains out to the septic tank, their antibacterial properties continue to work; killing off both the beneficial as well as the damaging bacteria along their path. When these products are used excessively, the number of beneficial bacteria dwindles in quantity. Without the bacteria to break down the organic matter and to keep the sludge layer from accumulating, soon there is a buildup of solid waste matter that will, in time, block the outlet pipe that serves to eliminate the middle layer of water. The sludge may work its way through the outlet pipe, pushing out into the drain field where it clog the drainage field. At this point, returning the septic tank to a healthy, workable condition will be a messy and costly venture.
Before the damage extends to the point of contacting a septic system specialist, there are things that the homeowner can and should be doing to ensure the health of their septic tank. The first and most important is to use limited amounts of commercial cleaners when maintaining their homes. There are many natural elements that offer great value in several ways; good cleaning properties, safe for humans and the environment as well as being safe for use in the septic tank. Bacteria colonies that are necessary are not harmed as elements such as baking soda, lemon juice, Epsom salts and olive oil enter the system. Secondly, activate the bacteria within the septic system once each month by feeding it a mixture of active dry yeast, brown sugar and water. Lastly, avoid putting excessive water into the septic tank; too much water flushes the bacteria from the system.
Keeping a septic system properly maintained will provide the benefit of a well operating system for many years. Allowing the naturally occurring processes to effectively do their job will not only result in a healthy septic system but also have the long term benefit of providing cleaner ground water.