What Is Good For A Septic Tank? (Perfect answer)

The products below represent some of the best septic tank treatments available in their respective categories.

  • BEST OVERALL: Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment.
  • BEST BUDGET: Green Gobbler Septic Saver Bacteria Enzyme Pacs.
  • BEST FOR CLOGS: Instant Power 1868 Septic Shock.

How do I keep my septic system healthy?

Do’s and Don’ts when maintaining your septic system

  1. Regularly inspect and maintain your septic system.
  2. Pump your septic tank as needed.
  3. Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured.
  4. Be water-wise.
  5. Direct water from land and roof drains away from the drainfield.
  6. Landscape with love.
  7. Keep septic tank lids easily accessible.

How do I clean my septic tank naturally?

You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!

How can I increase bacteria in my septic tank naturally?

Homemade Septic Tank Treatment The ingredients required for this natural solution are the following: Water, Sugar, Cornmeal, and 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!

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

  • Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
  • Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
  • Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
  • You Hear Gurgling Water.
  • You Have A Sewage Backup.
  • How often should you empty your septic tank?

Is RIDX good for septic?

How additives, like Rid-x, interfere with your septic system’s eco-system. According to the EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, not only are additives like Rid-X not recommended, but they actually have a detrimental and potentially hazardous effect on your septic system’s waste treatment process.

What can break down poop in septic tank?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

What breaks down sewage in a septic tank?

The septic tank has microbes, especially bacteria, which break down and liquefy the organic waste. In phase one, the wastewater is introduced into the septic system where solids settle down to form the sludge and scum layers as the anaerobic bacteria digest the organic waste.

Is Epsom salt bad for septic systems?

While Epsom salt doesn’t cause damage to your septic tank, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should go flushing it into your tank. Many individuals think flushing Epsom salt in their septic tanks will break down waste. While salts can unclog a toilet, the effect Epsom salt has on your septic system will be minimal.

How do you dissolve sludge in a septic tank?

How to Reduce Sludge in a Septic Tank Without Pumping

  1. Install an aeration system with diffused air in your septic tank.
  2. Break up any compacted sludge.
  3. Add a bio-activator or microbe blend.
  4. Maintain the aeration system.
  5. Add additional Microbes as required.

Should I add anything to my septic tank?

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.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

How much does it cost to pump a septic tank?

How much does it cost to pump out a septic tank? The average cost is $300, but can run up to $500, depending on your location. The tank should be pumped out every three to five years.

Can you use bleach with a septic tank?

You might consider bleach to be a great cleaner to use for your septic system. Unfortunately, that mindset is a dangerous one to have because it’s usually recommended to avoid using bleach in your septic system. The chemicals within bleach can kill the bacteria that your septic tank relies on.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

  • Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
  • Conserve water
  • Dispose of waste properly
  • And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

  • The size of the household
  • The total amount of wastewater produced
  • The amount of solids present in wastewater
  • The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

  • Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
  • Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system.

A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene items Condoms
  • Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

  • If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
  • Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

  • The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

  • Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

DIY Septic Tank Treatment

Septic tank systems are notoriously difficult to maintain and may be quite expensive when they fail. Over the course of almost two decades, we’ve only had to pump our septic tank once. Here’s how we maintain our system running smoothly: DIY Septic Tank Treatment

Natural Enzyme Action

Septic tanks, like your stomach, require the presence of beneficial bacteria and enzymes in order to break down the particles that travel through them. It is possible to obtain these helpful bacteria and enzymes from a variety of sources, but one of our favorites is rotting tomatoes. These naturally occurring enzymes are proteins known as Pectinase or Pectinolytic enzymes, and they break down pectin. Lipase, hydrolyzes, and lyase are all members of the pectinase family of enzymes that are capable of breaking down pectin and plant cell walls in the natural environment, therefore aiding in the decomposition and recycling of waste plant materials.

DIY Septic Tank Treatment

It is simple and inexpensive to treat a septic tank with DIY solutions. We “feed” our septic tank 3-4 rotting tomatoes every 3 months or so, which we do through our garbage disposal. The idea is to make sure that you split up the tomato and pass only half a tomato or so at a time through the water while it is running to ensure that it is properly flushed out. As an alternative, if you don’t have access to a garbage disposal, you may throw two or three large rotting tomatoes in a bag (chances are they’re already packed away in a bag in your refrigerator and starting to liquefy anyway!).

Dump them into a toilet (but don’t use bleach!) and flush them away.

Normally, having rotten tomatoes every few months isn’t a big deal because the garden overproduces in the spring, summer, and fall, and there are always a few extras available.

However, during the winter months, tomatoes have gotten pushed to the back of the fridge and started to liquefy before I realized what was happening. At the very least, they aren’t going to waste completely.

Toilet Paper No-No’s

When we had our septic system pumped for the first time in more than two decades, we were assured that it was totally unnecessary because the system was operating well and looked fantastic. During our conversation, the gentleman shared numerous true horror stories of systems he’d witnessed at his place of employment where the families utilized “fluffy” toilet paper. That one where the cute little bears in the advertisements are pleased of themselves for not having any lint left behind? You know the one I’m talking about.

See also:  What Plants Can Live In A Septic Tank Leakage Area? (Question)

Image courtesy of Ian Haycoxis (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0).

He especially inquired about the brand of tissue we use, which is Scott Tissue.

Alternatively, if you don’t happen to have any rotting tomatoes on hand, you may use baking or brewing yeast to bring healthy bacteria to your tank as an alternative.

How to Clean Septic Tank Naturally

Yeast and sugar are excellent natural septic tank cleaners, and here’s an easy method for using them.

Septic Tank Cleaner

2 cups granulated sugar 5 cups of hot water (optional) 3 tbsp. active dry yeast Sugar and yeast should be dissolved in water. Pour the mixture into a toilet (that does not contain bleach!) and flush it. This is best done at night so that the yeast may continue to work throughout the night; do not flush for at least 3 hours after completion.

Additional Tips:

1Avoid flushing raw or cooked meat down the toilet, down the garbage disposal, or any other form of introducing meat into your septic system; meat is NEVER a helpful bacterium. 2. Never add oils, grease, or fat in any form (solid or liquid) to your tank. This includes, but is not limited to, cooking oils, bacon grease, meat grease from draining ground beef/turkey, and other fat-containing foods. 3Avoid flushing anything other than garbage and toilet paper down the toilet; this means that feminine products should be disposed of in the trash, baby diapers and wipes should be disposed of in the trashcan, and so on.

Have you tried the rotten tomato technique yet?

Love this DIY Septic Tank Treatment Idea? Pin it!

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Maintaining a home’s septic system may seem like a daunting and stinky task, but it’s really not. Being mindful of what you’re doing inside the home will keep the system healthy.

Preventing and treating problems with your septic system is not difficult and does not have to be expensive. Failure to maintain your septic system, on the other hand, might result in significant financial loss, since digging up and rebuilding a septic system can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

What Is a Septic System?

Because it handles all of the wastewater that comes from your home, including the water from the bathrooms, kitchen, and laundry room, if your home is not connected to a municipal water and sewer system, your septic system is essential. Septic systems are generally comprised of a tank, into which wastewater is channeled for treatment and the particles are separated from the liquid.

Microorganisms break down the organic stuff in wastewater, allowing it to be recycled. A perforated pipe system transports wastewater from there to a drain or leach field, which collects the effluent. Either the wastewater will evaporate or it will seep into the surrounding land.

Get Familiar With Your Septic System

Understanding how your septic tank works, what sort of system it is, and where it is placed are all important first steps in proper maintenance. The county or town should keep a record of the permit, as well as a chart showing the tank’s layout and placement, because state rules demand a permit for septic system installation. Visual clues, such as sewage covers, or the direction in which the sewer pipe, which is located in the basement, runs out of the home, may be able to assist you in your search.

Have It Pumped Routinely

Every three to five years, the ordinary residential septic system should be pumped (that is, the sediments should be removed). According on the size of the tank, the typical price of pumping a residential septic tank is between $300 and $600. When you contact a septic service company, they will also inspect your septic tank for leaks and evaluate the sludge layers in your tank for any problems. Remember to save a copy of any maintenance paperwork pertaining to work performed on your septic tank.

Spread Your Washing Machine/Dishwasher Usage Throughout the Week

You may believe that scheduling a “laundry day,” during which you wash all of your clothing and possibly even run your dishwasher, would save you time. However, it puts a great deal of strain on your septic system. If you don’t allow your septic system enough time to process the wastewater, you risk overloading the system and flooding your drainfield with wastewater. Replace this with doing a full load of laundry (to ensure that you are not wasting water) a couple of times a week.

Don’t Treat Your Toilet Like a Trash Can

The only item that should be flushed down the toilet that does not come out of your body is toilet paper. Everything else should be discarded. This implies that there will be no tissues, diapers, feminine items, hair, dental floss, or anything else. Toilet paper is supposed to decompose in the septic tank after it has been used. Any additional materials are not permitted; they will clog and cause harm to your septic tank. Make sure you use toilet paper that is safe for use with your septic system.

Think About What You Dump Down the Kitchen Sink Drain

We flush a variety of items down the kitchen sink that might cause serious damage to a septic system. Never flush objects down the sink drain, including coffee grounds, eggshells, medicine, produce stickers, flour, and other such items. All of these things can clog pipes and cause screens to get obstructed. Do not dispose of any oil, including cooking oils and paint, grease, and fat since these substances will block your sewer line and cause it to back up into your home. Even dairy products such as milk, cream, and butter are harmful if they are flushed down the toilet.

When you use a garbage disposal in conjunction with a septic tank, the ground-up food particles contribute to the layer of solids that accumulates at the bottom of the tank’s bottom.

Therefore, householders must exercise extra caution to ensure that only biodegradable food waste is flushed down the garbage disposal.

Be Careful With Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning agents that homeowners use can be harmful to the beneficial microorganisms in their septic systems. When washing textiles, avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach. If you absolutely must, use only a little quantity of the product. Use of drain cleaners is discouraged since, in addition to destroying beneficial bacteria, they can cause harm to the tank itself. Alternatively, if a plunger does not work, a toilet drain snake, which is also effective on clogged kitchen and bathroom sinks, may be used.

Quaternary ammonia is also present in antibacterial soaps and disinfectants, which should be avoided.

Protect Your Drainfield

As previously stated, proper maintenance of your drainfield begins with careful monitoring of water usage and the materials that enter your septic system. Never drive or park a vehicle on top of your drainage system. Make certain that gutters and sump pumps discharge water far enough away from the drainfield to prevent flooding. Avoid planting trees and shrubs in close proximity to the drainfield because the roots of these plants could interfere with the pipes.

Maintain Your Septic System Naturally

On December 5, 2020, the information was updated. However, while this isn’t an enjoyable topic for polite discussion, having your septic system back up into your home is far from pleasant. There are actions that you can do to not only avoid septic issues in the future, but also to guarantee that the process of breaking down flushed waste proceeds as it should.

A Well-Functioning Septic System

The title of this article may be “The Care and Maintenance of the Gut in Your Yard,” which would be more descriptive. Understanding the necessity and advantages of eating dietary fiber, alkaline-forming foods, and taking probiotics for your own gut health will help you recognize the similarities between keeping a healthy septic system and maintaining a healthy digestive system. There are some items that you should avoid putting into any septic system, just as there are certain substances that are favorable to putting into our own digestive systems.

If you wait until there is a problem, you have waited too long and should contact a septic cleaning firm to pump your tank immediately.

Septic System Care and Maintenance Tips:

  • A family of four living in a house with a 1,000-gallon tank should have their septic system cleaned every four years, according to the EPA. Inquire with your local septic cleaning firm about how frequently you should contact them
  • Avoid using bleach-containing solutions to clean your toilets since it kills the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of waste particles in your septic system. Try this all-natural toilet cleanser
  • It works great.
  • 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 for the next 4 months. For those who are planning to install or have their existing septic system pumped, it’s a good idea to know precisely where it is in your yard so that you don’t have to dig up a lot of your lawn when the system is pumped in the future. With a tape measure, measure the precise distance between the septic tank lid and the home, and then snap a photo of the exact distance with your mobile phone to prove you were accurate. Maintain a copy of the snapshot in a home maintenance file on your computer for future reference.
Deborah Tukua

Deborah Tukua is a natural living and healthy lifestyle writer who has written seven non-fiction books, including Naturally Sweet Blender Treats. She lives in Hawaii with her family. Since 2004, she has contributed to the Farmers’ Almanac as a writer.

Keep Exploring

If you reside in a rural area of the United States, the chances are good that you will not be linked to a municipal water and sewer system. This means that your water will come from a well, and your body waste will be disposed of in a septic tank. It is the latter that we will be discussing in this article. After all, while septic tanks are capable of decomposing human waste on their own, they occasionally require assistance, and it is at this point that we as homeowners turn to the internet for information on the finest septic tank treatments available.

  1. Consider it to be akin to re-digesting the solids before sending them to a distribution box (D-box) and then out onto a leaching field to break them down.
  2. If anything isn’t operating properly, you may find yourself stuck with obstructions and a buildup of gasses.
  3. After all, septic repairs are not inexpensive – I had to have my leaching field replaced a few years ago, which resulted in a bill of several thousand dollars.
  4. In all likelihood, it will require pumping, however we have been able to go even longer without the need for pumping.

Here are 5 of the greatest septic tank treatments that we’ve come across that you may use if you need to give your septic system a little more TLC:

Green Gobbler Septic Saver Pacs

A septic saver that is designed to digest grease and fats while also breaking down paper and organic debris in order to keep your sewage line and septic tank free of blockages. It also aids in the reduction of smells, no matter how offensive they may be! To use Septic Saver, simply drop one pack into your downstairs bathroom toilet and flush it once a month for preventive septic tank maintenance. Each bag of Septic Saver contains six water-soluble packs; to use, simply drop and flush one pack into your downstairs bathroom toilet once a month for preventive septic tank maintenance.

Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes

This is the brand that you’ll see the most advertisements for on television, and in our experience, these enzyme pacs are really effective! Septic backups are prevented by continually breaking down household waste – the natural bacteria and sophisticated enzymes begin working instantly to target paper, protein, oils, and grease. Rid-X is available in a variety of sizes. One packet of provides a one-month treatment for septic tanks ranging in capacity from 700 to 1,500 gallons. To use, simply insert a pouch in your toilet and flush it down the toilet.

Instant Power 1868 Septic Shock

Septic Shock unclogs and deodorizes blocked, foul-smelling septic systems while also aiding in the digestion of soap, paper and grease. Pouring two liters (one container) of bleach directly into the toilet and flushing it will introduce millions of helpful bacteria to the system. This product comprises bacterial/enzyme strains of lipase (grease), protease (protein), cellulose (paper), and alpha amylase, which work together to breakdown system-clogging waste and debris.

Bio-Tab for Septic Systems

Using this ecologically friendly septic tank treatment will not affect your plumbing or septic system because it is non-corrosive and non-poisonous. Each container has a year’s worth of supplies (14 no-mess pills), as well as a calendar on the lid to keep track of your monthly use. Bio-Tab is made up of organisms that have been considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is non-toxic to people and animals.

Walex Bio-Active Drop-Ins Septic Additive

Each month, you’ll receive a box that is safe for all types of plumbing and environmentally friendly – just put it in the toilet and flush it. With each dose, billions of bacteria and septic-specific enzymes are released, assisting in the prevention of blockages and the dissolution of solid materials. The use of Bio-Active helps to replenish the biological population of beneficial worker bacteria and enzymes, which are responsible for solids reduction. Each package contains 12 packets, which is enough for a year’s supply.

Purchases made through the retail links in our product evaluations result in commissions being earned by us.

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How To Keep Your Septic System Healthy

The most recent update was made on June 26, 2020 by Choosing to live in the country is a popular choice for many individuals who like the peace and quiet, vast open areas, and natural beauty that the countryside has to offer. What I’m going to talk about today, on the other hand, is something that may not sound or smell all that pleasant: Onsite Sewage Treatment and Disposal System (OSTDS).

Understanding how these systems function, as well as how to maintain them working at peak performance, is vital to the health of your family. It is also crucial in terms of your household’s financial situation.

What is a septic system?

Figure 1 is a section-view depiction of a contemporary septic system installed beneath a residential structure. Septic systems are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. The traditional septic system is the most popular type of onsite wastewater treatment system (Figure 1). Septic tanks and soil absorption fields, commonly known as drainfields, are two components of a septic system. In order for wastewater to exit a residence, it must first pass through the septic tank, which is an enclosed waterproof container in which solid wastes are separated from liquid wastes.

  • The partly treated effluent was then discharged onto the drainfield.
  • Septic systems that use aerobic treatment units (ATUs) are the other type of septic systems that are used in Florida.
  • An aerobic system adds oxygen to the treatment tank using a pump.
  • ATUs are typically found in residences with smaller lots, poor soil conditions, or in homes that are in close proximity to a surface water source.
  • The wastewater treatment technologies that are used to eliminate toxins from wastewater
  • The volume of wastewater that the system is capable of handling
  • Solids, nutrients, organic debris, and pathogens are all factors that influence the strength of wastewater.
See also:  What To Ask The Seller If There Is A Septic Tank?
How to maintain a conventional septic system?

Solids should be removed from a typical three-bedroom home with a 1000-gallon septic tank every three to five years, according to industry standards. Tanks with a smaller capacity must be pumped more frequently. Make sure you don’t put off this work until the tank and sewer are completely full, and the toilet spills onto the bathroom floor. If this occurs, it is possible that a new drainfield will need to be installed.

Do septic tank additives work?

Whether you believe it or not, your septic tank chemicals that “clean” the tank are not actually cleaning the tank. They are either ineffective or may cause sediments to be drained from the septic tank into the drianfield, resulting in clogging difficulties in the drianfield. Other chemicals may be used to create a septic tank effluent that will degrade soil structure and cause the drain field to collapse prematurely as a result.

What can I flush?

When opposed to regular toilet paper, the usage of items such as “flushable” wipes has been promoted as providing a superior cleaning experience in recent years. There are a number of methods in which these items are advertised, including as “septic-safe,” “break down like toilet paper,” and “safe for sewer and septic.” However, as compared to ordinary toilet paper, they tend to take far longer to decompose, which is an issue. Consequently, they may cause significant clogs in sewage systems and must be manually removed from lift stations.

  1. Be aware that anything you flush down the toilet or grind down the trash disposal, or whatever you pour down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system and must be treated accordingly.
  2. A simple rule of thumb is to avoid flushing anything other than the 4Ps.
  3. Paper and puking are the other two options.
  4. Think about it when you’re at the sink.
  5. It is possible to eliminate or minimize the usage of the trash disposal, which will dramatically reduce the quantity of fats, grease, and sediments that enter your septic tank and eventually block its drainfield.
  6. Inspect and pump your system on a regular basis, dispose of water in an appropriate manner, utilize water effectively, and keep your drainfield in good condition, and you should have a system that is almost issue free.

Please see this page for additional information about septic systems. Posting date: June 26, 2020, 0byYilin Natural Resources, Water are some of the categories. Septic Additives, Septic System, Septic Tank, Yilin Zhuang, Clogged Pipes.

Septic Tank Bacteria: What You Need to Know

In the case of a new septic tank owner, or if you’re just not familiar with the way your septic tank operates, you may not be aware of the importance of bacteria and how it affects your septic tank’s operation. Bacteria contributes to the proper operation of your septic tank over time. Your septic tank would most certainly jam up very fast if there were no microorganisms present. By following proper septic tank management procedures, you may encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. The way you utilize your septic tank, as well as the items you flush down your drains, can have an influence on how well it functions.

Why Is Septic Tank Bacteria Important?

In the case of a new septic tank owner, or if you’re just not familiar with the way your septic tank works, you may not be aware of the relevance of bacteria and how it affects your septic tank’s performance. Your septic tank will perform more efficiently as time goes on. Septic tanks tend to silt up rapidly when microorganisms are absent. Good septic tank care methods can help to encourage the growth of beneficial microorganisms. You may have an influence on the operation of your septic tank by the way you utilize it and the items you flush down your drains.

What Can You Do to Promote Septic Tank Bacteria Growth?

Septic tanks inherently contain bacteria that will develop and multiply. By draining more solid waste down into the tank on a consistent basis, you encourage the growth of bacteria. However, there are several things you can do to your septic tank that will help to slow the spread of germs. All of the items meant to kill bacteria such as antibacterial soaps, bleach, antibiotics, and other products designed to kill bacteria have the potential to enter your tank and harm some of the beneficial bacteria in your tank.

It is possible that you may need to alter the way your family operates in order to prevent flushing these items down the toilet.

Before washing soiled garments, soak them in vinegar for a few minutes, and mix baking soda into your laundry detergent before putting it in the machine.

If you require a secure location to dispose of your medication, consult with your doctor to determine where you may properly dispose of your medication waste.

Do You Need to Put Bacteria In Your Septic Tank?

Some firms manufacture bacteria that may be added to your septic tank in order to support good functioning of the system. However, if you follow the instructions to the letter, microbial additives should not be required. Assuming you keep the amount of bacteria-killing agents and chemicals in your drains to a minimum, your tank should have enough bacteria to perform its functions. Whether or not you decide to employ septic tank bacteria, you should check with your local sanitation authorities to see if any chemicals or other materials are prohibited from being flushed down the toilet.

If you’re not sure which septic tank bacteria firms are the best, ask the specialist who pumps your septic tank for a suggestion.

If you want to learn more about bacteria in septic tanks, consult with the professionals. Al’s Septic Tank Service is delighted to speak with you about septic tank bacteria and other septic tank-related issues. Please contact us for more information. To learn more, please contact us immediately.

Best Practices for Taking Care of Your Septic System

There is a common misconception that your septic tank and drain field are placed in a large open area in your backyard. This is not necessarily the case. In fact, if you make educated guesses about the position of your tank and drain field, you may end up overwatering the wrong parts of your grass. What was the ultimate result? It is possible that septic waste will begin to flow up through your moist soil. Identifying the exact location of your septic tank and drain field is very crucial. The most effective method of locating your septic system is to contact the county health department office in your area.

You’ll be able to determine the precise placement of your tank from there, and you’ll be more aware of its location when it comes to keeping your grass.

Monitor Your Water Usage

A lengthy, hot shower is something that everyone enjoys. However, it is well known that taking long showers increases your water cost and can also cause problems with your drain field. There is some good news: you will not be required to transition to two-minute showers. You should, however, make a few modifications that will allow you to save a significant amount of water in the long term. These changes include:

  1. A lengthy, hot shower is something we all enjoy. A long shower may, however, increase your water bill and produce issues with your drain field, which is no secret. You are not required to convert to two-minute showers, which is a welcome relief. In the meanwhile, you should implement a few adjustments that will allow you to save a significant amount of water in the long term.
  1. Aerators should be installed in all of your faucets. The use of these little screens will lower your water consumption by gallons per day.
  1. Any water leaks should be repaired. That apparently insignificant drop from your faucet or toilet may not seem like much, but it has the potential to do significant damage to your drain field over time.

These are hardly life-changing changes, but these minor adjustments will have a favorable influence on your septic system as well as your wallet!

Change Your Garbage Disposal Habits

Yes, it is handy to be able to dispose of a variety of items fast and efficiently by utilizing a trash disposal. Not only is it toxic and detrimental to the environment, but it may also be harmful to your septic system, as you may not have realized. There are three factors contributing to this:

  1. When garbage disposal material is crushed up, it might become stuck in the perforated pipes of the drain field. When most individuals use water to ease down ground-up waste, the water is not equally disseminated, resulting in flooding particular sections of the drain field. The moment you have a saturating drain field, you’re in big trouble. Prepare yourself for a lot of headaches

So, what’s the solution?

We strongly encourage you to use a compost bin. It will be far safer to utilize all of the stuff that you would ordinarily pulverize via your waste disposal. Compost bins are simple to construct and maintain, plus they are completely free!

Deal with Harmful Liquids

We all deal with our liquids on a scale of one to five. Some individuals do not give a second thought to the drinks that they flush down the toilet. Others are aware that frying grease and paint should not be washed. However, only a small percentage of people stick to a laundry list of substances that are hazardous to their systems, such as:

  • Oils, fats, grease, gasoline, gels, chemicals, paint, paint thinner, chlorinated soaps (in excess), anti-bacterial soaps (in excess), and other similar substances

Consider whether you can replace your hand soap with something that is less harmful to your septic system. Anti-bacterial soaps, in particular, have a propensity to deplete your tank’s population of beneficial bacteria over time. This may decrease the life of your septic system and may even cause your tank to be stripped to the point where it is no longer functional.

Be Smart About What You Flush

Despite the fact that many individuals are lax when it comes to regulating what they flush down their toilets, there is only one thing (apart from garbage) that you should flush down your toilet: toilet paper. As a result, the following activities are prohibited:

  • Paper towels, facial tissue, kitty litter, coffee grounds, diapers, and cigarette butts are all examples of household waste.

Keep these materials separate from your garbage can and compost container.

Remember to be careful of how much toilet paper you are using at any one moment, even if you are using toilet paper. Being wise and disposing of products in their proper disposals can help you extend the life of your septic system while also helping to keep the environment clean!

Don’t Flush Prescription Drugs

Many individuals make the mistake of flushing prescription medicines down their toilets and sinks, which is dangerous. We’re not even talking about illicit stuff here; we’re just talking about your everyday prescription pills and prescriptions! Misuse of drugs and inappropriate disposal of pharmaceuticals is becoming an increasingly serious concern. Maintain the health of your system. Maintain the condition of your drain field. Take precautions to protect the environment. Make wise decisions regarding how to dispose of your unused medications, and you will be assisting not just yourself and your family, but also others.

Use the Right Household Cleaners

Household cleansers appear to be completely safe, and this is true when they are used sparingly. However, if they are used excessively, several of them have the potential to cause major harm to your septic system and drain field over time. Several toilet bowl cleaners, including Lysol and Toilet Duck, as well as general cleansers, such as Pine-Sol and Shower Power, include residues that might deplete your septic tank’s beneficial bacteria. These identical chemicals have the power to clog your drain pipes as well as your toilet.

Alternatively, it is recommended to explore utilizing less dangerous alternatives to your usual brand-name cleaning products rather than your standard brand-name cleaning products.

Cover Your Drains

Are you weary of having to pick hair, fur, and filth out of your drains every time you flush your toilet? It’s surely not one of the most pleasurable jobs to do. However, the worst part is that some of these materials are likely to pass through and clog your pipes, causing you to schedule more septic cleanings than you would otherwise need. But there is a simple solution that will leave you feeling guilty: simply place screen filters over your drainage pipes. This will allow water to freely flow through your drain, preventing damage to your pipes in the process.

Install an Outlet Filter

An outlet filter is one of the most important expenditures you can make in order to preserve your septic system from damage. For $100-$200, you may install an outlet filter in your septic system to remove stray hair, oil, and other clogging substances before they enter your septic system. As an added precaution, sink strainers, hair traps in drains, and lint catchers on washing machines should be installed. These apparently insignificant improvements will assist to ensure the longevity of your septic system for many years to come.

See also:  How Do U Know When Your Septic Tank Is Full? (Solution found)

Choose Safe Septic Cleaners

Before scheduling a septic system pumping, consider using a safe, do-it-yourself cleaner to clean your septic system. It is critical, however, that you select a cleaning solution that will not be damaging to your system in any way. When looking for a cleaning, you may come across advertisements that make claims such as “you will never have to pump your tank again!” In addition to being false, such statements imply that the cleansers are anti-bacterial, which is not the case. Just make sure you read the label!

Brand-name cleaners, such as Drano, Liquid-Plumr, Liquid Fire, and Drain Care, should also be avoided while cleaning drains.

Keep in mind that septic system cleansers are not a substitute for regular maintenance of your septic system. They are only temporary fixes that can be used to put lesser problems at bay. Just be careful not to jeopardize the longevity of your system in the pursuit of a temporary remedy.

Schedule an Inspection

What is the best way to determine whether your drain field need maintenance? Due to the fact that it is below ground, it might be difficult to tell when it requires inspection. But there are a few obvious signals that your system is in need of maintenance:

  • The first is that drainage is sluggish. If you notice that your sinks or toilets are running slower than usual, contact your septic specialist immediately.
  • In the second place, there is a clogged toilet. If this is happening more and more frequently, it is likely that it is time to get it inspected.
  • Finaly, there may be sewage accumulating on your drain field or in your basement. If you discover this, contact a specialist as soon as possible to get it looked at.

If you see something, don’t wait. Remember, any problems you ignore now will only become more costly headaches down the road.

Do you have a routine in place for pumping out your tank? Even if you do recall, when was the last time you filled your tank? If this is not the case, it is possible that you are not treating your septic system as the considerable investment that it truly represents. It’s past time to make a difference. First and foremost, it is recommended that septic tanks be pumped every three to five years; however, if you have a bigger household (5 or more inhabitants), you should consider pumping even more regularly.

If you want to know how often to pump your septic, we have apage on this websitewhere you can find out for your home.

However, if you are aware of when your last pumping occurred and how frequently you should pump, all you need is a system in place to assist you in keeping track of your septic maintenance. Consider putting the following measures in place:

  • Make a chart that notes the pumper’s name and the date and time your tank was pumped. Always request a report on the condition of the pump from the pumper. Examine the drain field to see if there was any backflow of water, and inquire about the quality of the concrete and if all of the baffles were in place.

Get Your Family on Board

Let’s face it: we’re in a bind. However, while children are a source of pride for us, they can also cause septic issues since they lack a grasp of what can and cannot be flushed or drained. Paper, crayons, toys, gum, and a variety of other items have been known to make their way into our toilet bowls over time. Make an effort to educate your children on the fundamentals of how your septic system operates. You may accomplish this in a short period of time and with great effectiveness by following the methods outlined below:

  1. Point out the location of your septic tank and drain field outdoors to your youngster, and highlight the necessity of safeguarding your septic system by explaining what may happen to the system if something goes wrong.
  1. Ensure that everyone understands what can and cannot be flushed (a very small list that should be confined to body waste and toilet paper), and what can and cannot be flushed down the sink or bath drain (water only).

Involving your entire family in the aim of maintaining and protecting your wastewater treatment system will go a long way toward protecting your investment! ‍‍

Septic System Basics

When a household isn’t connected to a public sewage system, it normally relies on septic systems to treat and dispose of wastewater. Sewage treatment systems require a substantial financial commitment. The correct maintenance and upkeep of a well-designed, installed, and maintained system will provide years of dependable and low-cost service. The failure of a system can become a source of pollution and public health concern, resulting in property damage, ground and surfacewater pollution (such as contamination of well water used by you and your neighbors), and the spread of disease.

Aside from that, if you are planning to sell your property, your septic system has to be in good functioning order.

Septic systems are available in a variety of configurations to accommodate a wide range of soil and site conditions.

Understanding the major components of a typical (gravity-fed) septic system, as well as how to maintain it working properly and at the lowest possible cost, can help you make the best decision possible. A conventional septic tank system is composed of three major components:

  • This is known as the Septic Tank. In order to remove particles from wastewater, store and partially decompose as much solid material as possible, while allowing the liquid (or effluent) to flow to the drainfield, a septic tank must be installed. more
  • The Drainage System After the particles have settled in the septic tank, the liquid wastewater (also known as effluent) is released to the drainfield, which is also known as an absorption or leach field, or both. more
  • The Soil is a very important factor. The soil under the drainfield is responsible for the ultimate treatment and disposal of the septic tank effluent once it has been treated. Following the passage of wastewater into the soil, organisms in the soil remediate the effluent before it percolates downward and outward, eventually entering ground or surface water sources. A drainfield’s efficacy is also affected by the kind of soil
  • For example, clay soils may be too tight to allow much wastewater to run through, while gravelly soil may be too coarse to give much treatment.
  • Septic System Inspection Done at Home In order to aid you in examining your system, a VideoField Guide and Checklist may be available at the bottom of the homepage.

Homeowners and residents have a significant impact on the functioning of their septic systems. Overloading the system with more water than it is capable of handling might result in system failure. A septic system can also be damaged by the improper disposal of chemicals or excess organic waste, such as that produced by a trash disposal. The following maintenance suggestions might assist you in ensuring that your system provides long-term, effective treatment of domestic waste.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

The most critical step in keeping your septic tank in good working order is to eliminate sludge and scum build-up before it may flow into the drainfield. The frequency with which your tank has to be pumped is determined by the size of the tank, the number of people in your family, the quantity of water utilized, and the amount of solids (from humans, garbage disposal, and any other waste) that enter the tank’s drainage system. Tanks should be pumped out on average every 3 to 5 years, depending on usage.

  • Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide
  • Inspecting Your Septic Tank
  • Septic Inspection and Pumping Guide

Use Water Efficiently

System failure is frequently caused by an excessive amount of water. The soil beneath the septic system must be able to absorb all of the water that is used in the residence. Too much water from the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, and showers may not provide enough time for sludge and scum to separate properly in the drain. The less water that is consumed, the less water that enters the septic system, reducing the likelihood of system failure. For further information on water conservation, visit:

  • Indoor Water Conservation
  • Every gallon of water conserved equates to a savings of $1.00.

Minimize Solid Waste Disposal

What you flush down the toilet can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic system. Many things do not breakdown properly, and as a result, they accumulate in your septic tank. If you have the option of disposing of it in another manner, do so rather than introducing it into your system.

Keep Chemicals Out of Your System

Protect your septic system against home chemicals such as caustic drain openers, paint and pesticides. Also avoid flushing down the toilet with chemicals such as brake fluid, gasoline, and motor oil. The improper dumping of dangerous substances down the drain is damaging to the environment, as well as the bacteria that are necessary for the breakdown of wastes in a septic system, and should be avoided.

Septic System Additives

It is not essential to add a stimulant or an enhancer to a septic tank in order to assist it in functioning or “to restore bacterial equilibrium.” The naturally occurring bacteria required for the proper operation of the septic system are already present in human excrement. Septic systems, like automobiles, are designed to offer long-term, effective treatment of residential waste if they are properly run and maintained on a regular basis. The majority of systems that fail prematurely, on the other hand, are the result of poor maintenance.

If you see any of the indicators listed below, or if you have reason to believe your septic system is experiencing issues, call a trained septic technician immediately. In the event that your septic system fails, call Thurston County Environmental Health at 360-867-2673 for assistance.

  • Odors, surface sewage, moist areas, or a dense growth of plants in the drainfield region are all possible problems. Backups from the plumbing or septic tank (which are often a dark liquid with a foul odor)
  • Fixtures that take a long time to drain
  • The plumbing system is making gurgling sounds. Your drainfield may be failing if you have a well and tests reveal the presence of coliform (bacteria) or nitrates in the water from it. Even in the midst of a drought, the drainfield is covered with lush green grass.

CLR® Healthy Septic System

  • The only septic system treatment to be paired with thePart of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Choice Program, which recognizes the product as a safer alternative to typical chemicals. It works instantaneously, can be used at any time of day, and its revolutionary stabilization method allows live, active bacteria to be put into the septic system. It is available in seven different treatments for systems up to 2000 gallons in capacity. Unlike rivals’ products, this revolutionary composition does not contain any detergents, preservatives, or inactive “carriers” that germs might adhere to while in use
  • Instead, it contains only natural ingredients. In comparison to dry septic system treatments, which can only be flushed down toilets, this product may be put down any drain and contains more environmentally friendly components. The precise stability of good bacteria required to help maintain your system working at peak efficiency is restored by this treatment. Solid organic waste such as detergents, soaps, grease, and paper may pile up in your septic tank and must be broken down before it can be securely disposed of into the earth. All of the components of the CLR Healthy Septic System are ecologically friendly. Safe for use on all types of pipes, drains, and porcelain

Look for CLR Healthy Septic System in these sizes

  • Directly into any toilet or drain pipe, pour 4 ounces of the solution. Do not combine with any other type of chemical drain cleaning solution. It is most effective when taken during periods of low water consumption.

In accordance with the California Cleaning Products Right to Know Act, it was found that this product did not need to be disclosed.

Water CAS7732-18-5 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
CAS7732-18-5. Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water treatment process that removes contaminants from water by passing the water through a membrane, (filter), where contaminants are filtered out yielding more pure quality water.
Sodium Nitrate CAS7631-99-4 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
CAS7631-99-4. It can be used as an additive in industrial greases, as an aqueous solution in closed loop cooling systems, and in a molten state as a heat transfer medium. It is also a common food preservative.
Pseudomonas Putida CAS68332-91-2 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
Monoammonium Phosphate CAS7722-76-1 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
Sodium Thiosulfate CAS10102-17-7 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria

This product may include one or more of the following ingredients:

Red No. 40 CAS25956-17-6 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
YellowNo. 5 CAS1934-21-0 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
CAS1934-21-0. A synthetic lemon yellow dye used all over the world, primarily as food coloring.As part of theEPA Safer Choice Program, it has been evaluated and determined to be safer than traditional chemical ingredients.
Acid Blue No.1 CAS3844-45-9 Meets EPA Safer Choice Criteria
CAS3844-45-9. A blue dye used for foods and other substances.As part of theEPA Safer Choice Program, it has been evaluated and determined to be safer than traditional chemical ingredients.

How do I use CLR Healthy Septic System?

In addition to being safe on pipes and porcelain, CLR Healthy Septic System is effective on fats, oils, grease, and other difficult organic debris. A septic system is a type of subterranean wastewater treatment system that is self-contained. A septic tank and a leach/absorption area are the two main components of a septic system.

What is a septic system’s purpose in the household?

The tank’s primary function is to handle waste generated in the home. When the waste is placed in the tank, the water drains to the bottom, the lighter solids rise to the top, and the heavier waste/sludge sinks to the bottom, resulting in effective waste treatment. The sludge/solids that settle to the bottom of the tank must be treated with a septic system treatment in order to transform these materials into liquids, which will then flow to the drain field below.

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