Since your septic system can be an essential part of your house, it’s normal for you to try to accomplish everything you can to ensure it is functioning properly. Septic tank additive manufacturers are aware of this and have products that claim to cut down on the need to pump to dissolve clogs, remove them or enhance the efficiency of your septic system.
However, in reality these additives aren’t needed and can create more harm than beneficial. Prior to deciding to include anything in your septic tank, make sure familiar with how these systems function and what the most popular additives.
What is the procedure? Septic Systems Work Without Additives
The primary reason that individuals use harmful or unneeded Septic tank additives is because they aren’t aware of the way a septic system performs its work. Septic systems operate using an entirely natural biological process which doesn’t require human intervention. They’re made to function without any additives.
The septic tank is the one that absorbs all solids and waste from the plumbing system in your home. The waste is contaminated by bacteria which after being inside the tank, break up from the solid waste in layers. Solids drop to the bottom , creating the sludge layer and fats rise up to the top of the tank to form the”scum” layer.
In the middle of it is the clear layer of water known as effluent. In the majority of installations, this effluent is pumped through filters that purify it further and slowly release it to the earth.
The bacteria living in the tank receive all the nutrients they require from the waste already in the tank. It’s not necessary to supplement them, provide them with food or even support them in any way. If you introduce more bacteria with no waste the bacteria will feed on one another. They are anaerobic therefore they don’t require air.
All you need to do to ensure that your tank be in top condition is regular inspection and pumping to eliminate this solid layer of sludge. There is no additive that can cause the layer to break down and slow or stop the pumping.
Check the system for any issues or have it inspected by a professional every two to three years, based on the kind of system. The tank should be pumped to eliminate solid waste every 2 to 5 years based on the size of your household as well as the frequency you utilize the tank and the climate in which you live.
The false promise Of Septic Tank Additives
The manufacturers of additives for septic tanks generally say their products can to break down the waste solids layer, or the scum layer. This means it won’t be necessary to have your tank pumped as frequently. Other products promise to repair an absorption system for soil that has been blocked.
Additives are available in two forms:
biological additives These are yeast, bacteria and enzymes that manufacturers sell to either start the process of creating a new septic system, or help an existing system that is overworked. Since the system is able to get all the necessary bacteria from waste that it is able to collect However, these biological additives aren’t needed. They’re not harmful to your body but they’re not helping as well.
If your system is running out of fuel, you must reduce your use of water or get the tank regularly pumped. In certain instances the system may have been installed or designed improperly and needs to be repaired or upgraded.
Chemical ingredients This category includes organic and inorganic substances that are designed to reduce the sludge layer (also known as scum) layer. They also help manage the smell or clean a blocked drainfield. Cleaners for drains in the home and degreasers for the kitchen are included in this category. These are more harmful than biological additives since they tend to alter the pH balance within the tank, causing it that they kill bacteria that the tank needs to operate properly.
The ones that actually accomplish what they claim to do, hinder the process of waste separation. In particular, by breaking down the layer of scum they could cause scum to get into your groundwater and soil. Worse, they may cause damage to pipes in the system and other parts.
Simpler household items like hydrogen peroxide won’t hurt the bacteria too much however they could still infuse the soil in the drainfield, decreasing the capacity of it to cleanse wastewater.
If you notice a bad scent or water pooling in the drainfield or you notice that your drains are not running as fast and your septic tank is not functioning properly, it’s time for it to be cleaned. There is no additive that can help solve these issues.
Controlling Special situations
Certain septic tank additives are designed for use in a variety of circumstances, but in these situations the additive isn’t able to do anything. can’t do.
If you live in a home that is vacation-related and the septic system is not used for a long period of period, the amount of bacteria will drop to a point that the system doesn’t perform as well as it normally is. To overcome this problem keep any water-intensive activities, like washing dishes or doing laundry for following the time the toilet is flushed a several times, in order to build up bacteria.
Certain septic service providers offer bacteria-based treatments for less frequently employed systems within their inspection and cleaning services. However, be wary of anyone who tries to convince you to purchase separate additives.
If your septic system hasn’t utilized for a long time It is recommended to have it checked by a professional prior to putting it into use. If the tank isn’t damaged , and the pipes don’t have accumulated dirt, then the system is perfect. If there’s dirt or damage then you’ll require professional repairs or cleaning. In addition, adding chemicals will not help.
A full house with guests for a couple of weeks could strain your system for septic. To ensure the system’s protection it is possible to request your guests to reduce the amount of water they use, but there is no need to use an anti-bacterial product.
There are so many septic tank additives available on the market It’s tempting to believe that at least some of them can help your system function more effectively. However, they are mostly expense and chemical additives could cause harm to the system.
The most beneficial way to take care of the septic tank is let it function according to its design using only naturally occurring bacteria. Additionally, you should have it checked and pumped often and it will work effectively for a long time.
