3 Environmental Consequences of Septic System Neglect

Owning a septic tank saves you a ton of money that you’d normally need to pay for a public sewer. But you still need to take care of your tank. Septic systems have a healthy bacterial ecosystem within their tanks that you need to maintain for the system to work correctly. Without the correct level of bacteria, the tank can fill too quickly or have issues like clogged pipes, scum buildups, obstructed drain fields, etc.

So what do you put in the septic tank to help break down solids? There are many natural ways to break down those sludgy solids and keep your septic tank in pristine health. Use these techniques monthly to care for the septic system.

Rotten Tomatoes

These seem odd to throw into your septic system, but trust us, they work. Rotten tomatoes have a protein in them that helps with decomposition. Avoid the harsh chemicals and try this tip first. Chemicals can kill healthy bacteria and ruin your system. So always keep that in mind when searching for new ideas to break down the solids in the tank.

Dry Baking Yeast

Depending on your tank size, you could need more or less dry baking yeast for the breakdown effect to take place. You can flush a fourth or half a cup of dry yeast down your toilet to aid in breaking down those solids. Let it sit in your pipes and avoid running water and washing down the yeast right away. It needs a couple of minutes to process.

Store-Bought Chemicals

If you notice your tank needs a little extra TLC, head to the grocery store. You’ll find products there that can help break down solids. As stated before, you need to be careful with any chemicals, as they can ruin the tank and decomposition process. Because septic systems use natural methods to get rid of waste, it’s better to keep everything in the tank natural.

Professional Pump

If things aren’t going your way, a last-ditch effort is to call a professional. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, you should contact a septic contractor about every three years for a tank pump. Your household size, the total wastewater generation, the volume of solids, and the size of the tank could call for a professional inspection once a year.

Now you know what to put in the septic tank to help break down solids. Keep a maintenance plan in place for the proper health of your septic system. These systems are solid replacements compared to sewer systems.