Septic Tank Maintenance – How to Break Down Organic Solids in a Septic Tank
The French are believed to be the first to use septic tank systems in the 1870s, followed by the United States. Over a century later, septic tanks are still used worldwide at homes without access to sewage treatment plants.
A septic tank, made of concrete, plastic or fibreglass, is installed beneath the ground and performs the function of breaking down waste generated from the household. A malfunctioning system can cause a wide range of problems such as surface water pollution, disease outbreaks and environmental concerns. Therefore, your septic tank system needs regular maintenance and care to work at its best and break down organic waste efficiently.
How septic tank breaks down organic solid waste
A septic system generally consists of pipes, a tank and a drain field. It mainly helps in breaking down organic waste material and the sedimentation process of solid waste. Living microorganisms play a key role in the biological decomposition of organic solids, which is then safely disposed of into the environment. Ideally, the septic tank waste decomposition consists of the following process:
- Wastewater generated from the bathroom and human waste from the toilet flows into the septic tank through pipes.
- Millions of microorganisms available naturally in the tank breaks down the organic waste.
- Solids settle at the bottom of the tank and forms a sludge layer, whereas liquid such as fats, oils and grease float at the top.
- The treated liquid known as effluent flows out of the tank into the drain field.
However, septic tank system sometimes fail. Unable to break down the organic solid waste, it can cause backup issues at your home. Moreover, the untreated effluent may contaminate drinking water, attract vectors, insects and rodents, cause bad odour and disturb the aesthetics.
Several factors that contribute to septic tank failure can be avoided if homeowners strictly follow the maintenance measures. For example, using too much water than what the system can handle may lead to failure. A large quantity of water from showers, toilets, laundry disturbs the balance in the tank and affects sludge-scum separation.
Non-biodegradable waste materials should not be flushed down the drain. Many such substances do not decompose easily, stressing the septic system. Disposal of excess amounts of chemicals into the septic tank can affect the performance of the system as it may eliminate beneficial microorganisms. Furthermore, chemicals can contaminate groundwater too.
These preventive measures mentioned should help in septic tank maintenance. But one of the best ways to support the breakdown of organic solid waste and minimize sludge build-up is using biological septic tank treatment solutions. The biological additives help by enhancing the growth and performance of the microbial community available in the septic tank, eventually boosting the waste decomposition process. Additionally, homeowners can opt for easy to use and affordable biological additives for routine maintenance of the septic system and avoid costly mechanical maintenance like pumping.
Organica Biotech is a leading company with advanced septic tank treatment solutions. Bioclean Septic is an excellent, eco-friendly and effective septic tank cleaner that is highly capable of breaking down organic waste efficiently. It uses enzyme-producing bacteria to accomplish the objective of waste decomposition and minimizes sludge build-up. Bioclean Septic is the best solution you can use to keep up the performance of septic tank systems. For more details, contact us at any time.
Also Read:
Your Guide To Successful Septic Tank Maintenance
5 Tips for Effective Septic Tank Maintenance
Your Guide to Protecting Your Septic Tank During the Rainy Season
