Septic Tanks 101
Q: What is the proper maintenance of my septic system?
A: Septic system maintenance means two simple things. First, the sludge that accumulates in the bottom of the tank must be pumped out periodically. There is no additive that can be introduced into the septic tank to rid the tank of the sludge that settles to the bottom of the tank. It must be pumped out! If not pumped out, it will eventually overflow into the absorption area, again causing the system to fail.
Q: Why do I have to add bacteria to my septic tank?
A: Bacteria must be present in the septic tank to digest the organic solids. No bacteria, no digestion - it's as simple as that.
An Explanation Through Definitions
What is a Septic Tank?
A septic tank, as defined by Webster, is “an underground tank in which waste matter is decomposed through bacterial action.” If there is too much solid material in your septic tank, the "bacterial action" is not taking place properly. Why? Not enough bacteria.
What’s Under Your Sink?
Let’s look at the labels of some typical home-care products and see how Webster defines them:
Disinfectant: "a means for destroying bacteria."
Germicidal: "an agent for killing bacteria."
Antibiotic: "having the capacity to inhibit the growth of or destroy bacteria."
Sanitize: "to free from germs by cleansing or sterilizing."
Sterilize: "to cleanse by destroying bacteria."
Have you noticed the recent rise in the use of anti-bacterial soaps?
Anti-bacterial: "destructive to or inhibiting the growth of bacteria."
Do you think of what anti-septic means as you flush mouthwash down the drain?
Anti-septic: "any substance that inhibits the action of bacteria."
These bacteria-killers are in products that we all use every day. Toilet disinfectants that get dispensed with every flush kill bacteria before they even get to the septic tank. Garbage disposals and water softeners also challenge the bacteria needed for proper septic tank operation. It's no wonder there are so many failing septic systems! Is there any word to look for that won't kill bacteria? Sure.
Biodegradable: "capable of being readily decomposed by bacterial action."
The Cleaner the Home, The Deader the Tank
So what are we saying here? Should you stop cleaning and disinfecting your home? No, what we’re saying is if you are going to regularly kill bacteria necessary for proper septic tank operation, you need to regularly replace those bacteria.