Every home needs a safe and reliable method for removing wastewater. For most homes, the removal of black water from toilet flushing and grey water from sinks and showers comes down to the utilization of sewer or septic tank systems. While a significant portion of homes rely on city sewer systems that pump waste to a sewage treatment plant, about 1 in 5 homes in the US have septic systems in place.

So, what are septic systems exactly? Generally speaking, septic systems are used for homes and buildings that are not near a sewage treatment plant. Black and grey wastewater is pumped out of homes and into a large underground tank that is buried about 30 feet away from the home. Once in the tank, liquids are filtered and pumped out of the tank, while solids remain in the tank and are broken down by the present anaerobic bacteria.

When properly cared for, septic systems can last you for several decades. Regular and proper septic maintenance is essential to reducing repairs, preventing catastrophic failure, and maintaining the health of everyone nearby by eliminating exposure risk through contaminated groundwater. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to keep your septic tank in good working shape and address some frequently asked questions about the wastewater disposal system.

Are Septic Tank Treatments Necessary?

While your septic tank is an essential part of your home’s functionality, it is not uncommon for it to be forgotten about and unmaintained – out of sight, out of mind. Unfortunately, septic tank neglect is one of the biggest mistakes a homeowner, RV owner, or business owner can make. When septic systems aren’t properly cared for, you can experience septic system failure; this can cause a slew of problems, including:

•   Toilet and drains backing up into the home, RV, or business
•   Slow moving drains
•   Bad odors
•   Contaminated groundwater
•   Contaminated water sources
•   Pathogen exposure and health hazards to humans and animals

Fortunately, there are various septic tank treatments that can be used to ward off failure and promote a healthy waste removal system. Septic treatments are a vital method of supporting a healthy continuance of bacteria in the tank, which is crucial for ensuring that waste is broken down properly. There are various treatment types to consider - some of them better than others. Here are the most common:

•   Organic Solvents – This septic tank treatment method consists of using degreasing solvents like methylene chloride and trichloroethylene to help break down oils and fats that have settled in the system.
•   Inorganic Alkalis and Acids – While these are commonly used, they aren’t necessarily the best method for treating your septic tank. Generally, Inorganic alkalis and acids are used to clear clogs. The problem with using this method in your septic system is it may kill the bacteria present that’s needed to break down waste.
•   Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide is a popular recommendation for breaking down unwanted fats and oils in a septic tank. However, recently many septic experts have begun refraining from recommending this method; this is because hydrogen peroxide has been shown to negatively impact the surrounding soil and otherwise reduce drainage capabilities.
•   Biological Additives – Biological additives are preferred by septic experts and homeowners for their ability to both promote healthy bacteria within the septic tank and prevent any local groundwater contamination or unnecessary elimination of already-present bacteria.

FAQ’s About Septic Tank Treatment

Proper care of your septic tank is often a delicate balance of self-maintenance and professional service. Septic systems are both a vital portion of your home’s functionality and can be extremely costly when neglected. Because septic tank treatments are so crucial to the longevity and proper care of your septic tank, it is important to stay informed. Below are several FAQs asked about septic tank treatments:

• Q. How often do I need to treat my septic tank?
• A. This question depends on the method of treatment. Always follow package instructions, but you can generally expect treatment schedules of once monthly, every three months, every four months, every six months, or once per year.

• Q. What is the best treatment for septic tanks?
• A. We highly recommend using BioWonder Septic Treatment for septic maintenance and backup prevention. BioWonder contains 3X the amount of powerful natural bacteria that digests waste and keeps your septic system running clean.

• Q. Is it possible to use too much septic tank treatment?
• A. Yes. Use of too much treatment can negatively impact the delicate anaerobic bacterial ecosystem that is present in your tank. Always follow package instructions or the advice of your septic professional.

• Q. How else can I maximize the life of my septic tank?
• A. There are various things you can do, including pumping your system every 3-5 years, conserving water, scheduling annual professional inspections, and avoiding flushing or draining harmful materials.

• Q. Can you put too much bacteria in a septic tank?
• A. Yes. Adding too much bacteria and enzymes into your septic tank can cause the already present bacteria the trouble of not being able to keep up. If this happens, you run the risk of more bacteria dying at a faster rate, which leaves little to nothing available to break down waste.

How Do I Keep My Septic System Healthy?

While regular septic treatments are an important component of maintaining a healthy septic system, there are also other steps that can be taken to keep everything running smoothly; here are some examples:

• Use Water Efficiently – Simply put, the less water you use, the less chance you have of a system failure. By using your tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets efficiently, you allow your septic system time to do its job and break down the wastewater accordingly.
• Inspect and Pump Frequently – Inspecting your tank frequently with a professional service can help you avoid larger problems by finding cracks and other potential culprits when they start. Having your septic tank pumped about every 3-5 years can also help prevent overflow or unnecessary strain being placed on the system.
• Properly Dispose of Waste – Proper waste disposal is imperative to maintaining a healthy septic system with your home, business, or RV. Avoid pouring or flushing flammable liquids, grease, oils, paints, food, or other solids; all of these items can contaminate the bacterial ecosystems in your toilet and potential cause a back-up.

What Are Ways to Fix Septic Tank Problems?

It’s never fun when septic problems arise. However, it’s extremely important that they are dealt with promptly to avoid further complications and more expensive repairs. Here’s a look at some common septic problems that can occur and what steps you can take to address them properly:

• Inlet Baffle Clogged – When the wastewater flows out of your home, it flows into the septic tank through the inlet baffle. This portion of the septic system directs the water flow and helps protect the delicate bacterial ecosystem from being disturbed. When this baffle experiences a clog, you can try clearing any visible blockages with a pole; if this doesn’t work, you’ll need to call in for professional septic service.
• Outlet Baffle Clogged – The outlet baffle works similarly to the inlet baffle in that it helps filter water that enters into the septic system; however, the primary job of this component is to filter water out of the tank safely. When the outlet baffle is clogged, it can lead to back-up of sewage into the house. If you’re experiencing this problem, you can try to remove any visible clogs in order to keep wastewater freely moving. Otherwise, you’ll most likely need professional assistance.
• Main Pipe Clogged – The main pipe carries wastewater from the house to the septic tank. Usually clogs with this pipe occur from food or waste disposal and can easily be cleared by snaking the line. That being said, if the blockage is from a tree root system or something similar, you will most likely need to call in for professional assistance.
• Drain Field Failure – Your septic drain field is a system of pipes that originate from the system and are used to drain oils and grease away from the anaerobic bacteria and filter them out of the septic system. When this portion of the tank becomes clogged, it can lead to back-up into the house or other issues. You’ll most likely need to call in a professional septic expert at this point to either repair or replace the drain field.