For rural homes and properties not connected to main sewage lines, septic tank systems provide an effective onsite solution for wastewater treatment and purification. However, the healthy functioning of these underground waste processing plants greatly depends on maintaining a vigorous community of natural digestive bacteria within the anaerobic chambers.
When bacteria levels drop due to household chemical use, antibiotics, excessive solids or other factors, you may start experiencing issues like:
- More frequent septic tank pumping needed
- Slow draining sinks/tubs
- Foul sewage odours around your property
- Very wet patches above your drain field
Luckily, with a few simple organic remedies from our septic tank installers at ADP, you can give your septic tank bacteria levels an easy boost from the comfort of your own home.
Why Bacteria is Vital in Septic Systems
The bacteria naturally occurring inside septic tanks play a crucial role in keeping these decentralised waste treatment plants operating properly. As raw sewage enters from household drains, the microorganisms immediately start decomposing and digesting all the organic solids. This includes breaking down toilet tissue, food scraps, oils and greases into dissolved elements and gases.
Without this continual bio-processing of accumulated sludge and scum layers, septic tanks would fill much more rapidly, requiring frequent expensive pumping to prevent hazardous overflows and backed up drainage. Robust bacteria concentrations also neutralise pH imbalances and ensure ideal chemical conditions for clarified effluent to filter through the soakaway or drainage field without clogs.
Signs Your Septic Tank Needs More Bacteria
How can you tell if your septic system lacks adequate bacteria for proper functioning? Warning signs can include:
- Needing to pump out your tank more often than every 3 to 5 years
- Slow draining sinks, tubs and toilets around your property
- Strong sewage-like odours emanating from your garden or drains
- Very soggy patches visible on the ground above your drainage field
- Bright green grass growth near your tank or piping routes
Catching bacteria deficiencies early allows prompt corrective action before major blockages or failures occur.
Natural Methods to Boost Your Septic Tank’s Bacteria
While specialised commercial bacterial additives exist for septic tanks, many harbour harsh chemicals potentially hazardous to soils, groundwater and your system itself. Instead, you can leverage a couple household staples to give your wastewater digestion a healthy kickstart:
Add Yeast
Ordinary baker’s or brewer’s yeast provides a gentle, effective bacteria booster. Simply flush a 1/4 ounce yeast packet down your toilet once monthly. The microorganisms will inoculate your tank and multiply rapidly without upsetting system chemistry.
Yeast also promotes helpful enzymes to augment waste digestion. Just avoid overdosing your septic system with yeast as excess gases could bubble up causing temporary drain gurgles until processed.
Use Rotten Tomatoes
Surprisingly, rotten tomatoes work wonders for cultivating healthy bacteria colonies in septic systems. Every 4 months, collect 3-4 overripe tomatoes and grind them up in your garbage disposal one by one with the tap running.
The pectin and nutrients in decaying tomatoes offer the perfect feedstock for bacterial growth. Just be sure to flush the stringy pulp remains down afterward so clogs don’t form.
Avoid Using Strong Septic Tank Additives
While chemical additives marketing boasts benefits like reduced pumping frequency, cleaner pipes and less odours, the UK Environmental Agency strictly advises against using these commercial preparations.
Potential drawbacks of septic tank additives include:
- Toxic contamination of soils and groundwater
- Harmful damage to essential biological digesters
- Drain field permeability reductions
- Costly removal if problems emerge
Your system already harbours optimal bacteria when operating normally. But if concerned, try the yeast or rotten tomato methods first before resorting to additives that might irreparably damage your sewage plant.
Household Habits Supporting Healthy Bacteria
Alongside periodic bacteria boosting, a few simple household habits can help nourish your septic tank digesters:
- Use natural cleaners like baking soda/vinegar over bleach/chemical options
- Choose toilet tissue designed for septic systems
- Never flush wipes, nappies, greases or other non-biodegradables
- Take unused medications to your pharmacy for proper disposal
Why Routine Septic Tank Inspections Matter
While the yeast and tomatoes offer temporary bacteria replenishment, consistently maintaining strong populations depends on the overall functionality of your system. We recommend professional septic tank inspections every 2 years in accordance with British Water guidelines.
During assessments, technicians gauge sludge depths, component conditions, water levels, pump operation and drain field permeability. Any issues get identified early and repaired before bacteria loss cascades into major malfunctions requiring expensive emergency septic tank repairs.
So don’t hesitate to give your septic tank microbes an occasional boost using natural methods. But also invest in regular maintenance checks for peace of mind!
