Septic System Maintenance
According to recent studies by neutral parties, additives with septic tanks for a home with a properly sized tank are unnecessary. Pumping the tank regularly is the best way to ensure that it functions properly and lasts.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks. With regular pumping and inspections, a septic system should last decades. Septic tanks are designed to take care of waste disposal on their own — no additives needed.
There is no easy answer when it comes to speeding up a septic system. However, properly aerating the tank and not overloading it with waste can help.
Additives do not replace septic system maintenance. No product can make the sludge magically disappear. The whole purpose is for solids to stay in the tank.
What is the best thing to add to your septic tank? 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.
The most beneficial septic tank treatment used by septic experts is the biological treatment. This uses enzymes or non-pathogenic/cultured bacteria that accelerate the breakdown of the solid materials in the waste water.
The ingredients required for this natural solution are:
- Water
- Sugar
- Cornmeal
- 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! However, You don’t need to add more, feed them, or support them at all. If you add more bacteria without more waste, the bacteria will only eat each other. The bacteria are anaerobic, so they don’t even need air. All your tank needs to stay in shape is regular inspection and pumping to remove the solid sludge layer.
Septic Tank Additives: Do They Work?
There are a variety of supplements you can add to your septic system. Some additives are chemicals that contain calcium, sodium bicarbonate, and/or flocculants. These work on the assumption that the level of bacteria in the septic system is too low or too high. However, chemical septic tank additives can actually harm the septic tank by killing the bacteria as well as polluting the environment. It is, therefore, a good idea to avoid them altogether. Biological additives, on the other hand, are safe for the environment, safe for the septic tank, and actually help improve the efficiency and longevity of the septic tank. The only caution when using biological additives is to always remember that not all biological additives are made equal. Septic Shock quickly reconditions a clogged or under-performing septic tank or cesspool. Utilizing a formulated blend of beneficial live enzymes and bacteria, Septic Shock clears crystallized soil around the drain field to allow for proper porosity.
Adding yeast to your septic system may help break down some starchy materials in the tank.
If you have questions about septic tank additives, contact a local environmental services company that specializes in septic tank maintenance, like the professionals at Acme.
In summary, some additives can have a positive impact on your septic system, while others may be damaging. It is important to choose the right additives and avoid those that are unproven or harmful. Regular maintenance remains the key to a healthy septic system.