Bacteria play an important role in maintaining your septic systems. Their purpose in your septic system is to digest any solids that have settled at the bottom of your septic tank and get the decomposition process started. There are two main types of bacteria that are present in your system:

Aerobic bacteria—In order to survive, this type of bacteria needs plenty of oxygen. In septic systems, these bacteria first break down the organic waste and then feed off of it. In most cases, aerobic bacteria are very sensitive to environmental changes and are much larger than the anaerobic bacteria found in septic systems.
Anaerobic bacteria—The main difference between anaerobic and aerobic bacteria is that anaerobic bacteria need little to no oxygen to survive. Although they are smaller than aerobic bacteria, anaerobic bacteria are much more resilient and are able to withstand changes within their environment relatively easily. When organic matter enters your septic tank, anaerobic bacteria are responsible for eating, digesting, and excreting the matter. This process ultimately contributes to the creation of effluent within the septic tank, which is eventually transported out to the drain field.

Within your septic system, maintaining the balance between anaerobic and aerobic bacteria is extremely important. One of the ways you can maintain this balance and keep your septic system working like it should is to have your tank pumped regularly. If it’s been a while since you had your tank pumped or you want to know more about the process, contact us at Brandon Septic today.

5 Signs Your Drain Field May Need Professional Cleaning