Sylvia Richards: Taking care of your septic system is an important part of running your home. When this tank gets full, it can create bad smell, slow-drainage and even expensive repairs if not handled well. Even as many, including pest control professionals, resort to chemical solutions, over time, these can negatively affect your system. However, there are natural and eco-friendly solutions that can effectively treat full septic tank systems and help maintain the natural bacterial balance of the system.
| Remedy/Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Can help neutralize odors and maintain pH balance in the tank. However, its effectiveness is limited and should not replace regular pumping. | |
| Some claim yeast helps break down organic matter, but its effectiveness is anecdotal and not scientifically proven. | |
| May help break down grease and reduce odors, but use sparingly as it can disrupt the bacterial balance. | |
| The peels can help break down grease, but their effectiveness is minimal and should not be relied upon for maintenance. | |
| Use low-flow fixtures, fix leaks, and space out water usage to reduce strain on the system | |
| Do not pour chemicals, grease, or large amounts of solids into the system | |
| Essential for maintaining the system; pumping every 3 to 5 years is recommended | |
| Dispose of non-biodegradable items and chemicals properly | |
| Plant grass or small plants over the drainfield to stabilize the soil |
How Septic Systems Work
November 15, 2021Understanding Your Septic System: How to Keep it HealthyYou were talking about how each system works, but you need to understand how your system actually works to keep it healthy. A septic system isn’t merely a holding tank for waste; it’s a highly tuned ecosystem dependent on bacteria to decompose organic matter.
The Role of Bacteria
When waste arrives at the septic tank, it separates into three layers:
- The solids (sludge) settle to the bottom.
- Liquids (rejected) that occupy the center layer.
- Grease and oils (scum) that rise to the surface.
Within the tank, bacteria work diligently to decay the organic material within the sludge layer so they do not accumulate. For the system to work properly, there must be a healthy balance of bacteria.
Full Septic Tanks Are Common Issues
Septic tanks can fill up over time, due to:
- A lack of regular pumping.
- But when they use too much water, they can fray the system.
- Throwing away non-biodegradable items in their regular trash.
Over time, when a tank is filled, you might face slow drakes, bad odour or sewage backups. Home remedies for a full septic tank can step in and help before you encounter bigger issues.
Why You Should Never Use Chemical Drain Cleaners?
Treating septic problems with chemical drain cleaners is one of the ilk as many home owners do it to Unclog drains but doing home repairs as such can irritate the problem. Here’s why.
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Harm to Beneficial Bacteria
Chemical cleaners have harsh ingredients such as bleach, lye, or sulfuric acid that usually kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic system. Without these bacteria, the waste inside your tank will not break down well, causing backups more often.
Damage to the System
The chemicals can corrode pipes over time, damage the tank and result in expensive repairs. In addition, these stainless steel solutions work only on the surface, and no problems beneath the surface
Avoiding chemical cleaners will not only protect your septic system but the environment as well. Instead, use natural remedies that help the system do its job more effectively.
Natural Solutions When the Septic Well is Full
Fortunately, there are a few natural home remedies for keeping a full septic tank. They are one of the most sustainable and affordable ways to address the needs.
Sugar + Cornmeal + Yeast Mixture
This combo is an easy, convenient way to nurture bacteria in your septic tank.
How It Works
The sugar and cornmeal will feed the bacteria, and the yeast helps “wake” them up. By feeding the bacteria, you enhance their ability to consume waste.
How to Use
- Boil 4 cups of water.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, and 2 tablespoons cornmeal.
- Cool slightly, then stir in 1 packet of active dry yeast.
- Pee the mixture into a toilet or drain.
While this remedy works great, to keep those bacteria healthy it should be used every 6 months.
Native Wang: Baking soda and vinegar solution
This age-old household standby doesn’t just have cleaning power on surfaces — it’s also great for septic systems.
How It Works
Baking soda eliminates odors and neutralizes pH levels, and vinegar effectively breaks down organic material. They combine to form a natural cleansing reaction that’s safe for your septic system.
How to Use
- 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain or toilet.
- Top that off with 1/2 cup white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to set for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water.
Do this process every month to have clear drains and a functioning system.
Yeast Alone
If you don’t have the other ingredients on hand, yeast alone can still work wonders.
How It Works
Yeast helps to encourage beneficial bacteria that break down waste into simpler compounds. It works to decrease the solids accumulation in your tank.
How to Use
- Dump 1 packet of active dry yeast down the toilet.
- Do not flush the toilet for a few hours to let the yeast settle and get to work.
This approach is best employed every 3–6 months.
Rotten Tomatoes
Sounds crazy but rotting tomatoes may give some enzymes that help in decomposing the waste.
How It Works
Tomatoes contain natural enzymes that can speed up the decomposition of solids in the tank.
How to Use
- Mash 4–5 rotten tomatoes.
- Flush them down the toilet.
This treatment can be repeated every few months to help maintain the balance of bacteria.
TIPS FOR USING HOME REMEDIES
Here are several tips to get the best out of these natural-solutions:
Use Remedies Regularly
Consistency is key. Use your selected cure at three- to six-month intervals or as needed to promote the bacterial balance and keep build-up at bay.
Avoid Overloading the System
Cut water usage by repairing leaks and spreading out loads of laundry. It avoids overwhelming the system and allows time for bacteria to act.
Be Mindful of What You Flush
Flush only biodegradable materials (not grease, wipes or anything else). These can block the tank and interfere with its processes.
If you implement these tips, you can maintain your septic tank without using aggressive products.
When to Contact A Professional
Home remedies are also very useful, but there are situations where professional need is required. Here are some indications it might be time to reach out to an expert:
- Persistent sewage backups.
- Smells that won’t go away.
- Puddles or wet ground near the septic tank.
Professional inspections can detect underlying problems that home remedies might not catch — such as structural damage or blockages.
Conclusion
Caring for your septic system does not have to require harsh chemicals or expensive solutions. Home remedies for a full septic tank (Azaty) are effective and can keep your home safe and balance nature’s environment at the same time. With care and balance, your septic system will serve you well for many years to come.
So, use these natural methods to get started today with keeping a septic system maintained, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with it!
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