STEP septic tank systems are a type of pump-assisted septic system that uses bacteria to break down waste. STEP systems are often used in areas with poor soil conditions or high water tables. STEP Septic Tank Systems and the Need for Septic Tank Bacteria is a very important part of a STEP septic system.
A STEP systems work by pumping effluent from the septic tank to a drainfield. The drainfield is a series of perforated pipes that allow the effluent to seep into the ground. Bacteria in the soil further break down the effluent. There can be 2 septic tanks in a STEP system.Both septic tanks must have the proper level of septic tank bacteria in them to work like they were designed to.

Why are septic tank bacteria important?
Septic tank bacteria are essential for the proper functioning of STEP systems. Bacteria break down solid waste in the septic tank, preventing it from building up and clogging the system. Bacteria also help to remove pollutants from the effluent before it is discharged to the drainfield.
What are the benefits of having a healthy bacterial population in your STEP septic tank system?
A healthy bacterial population in your STEP septic tank system can provide a number of benefits, including:
- Reduced risk of clogging and overflows: Septic tank bacteria break down solid waste This helps to prevent the tank from clogging and overflowing.
- Improved effluent quality: Septic tank bacteria remove pollutants from the effluent, which helps to protect the environment and public health.
- Extended system lifespan: A healthy bacterial population can help to extend the lifespan of your STEP septic tank system by reducing the need for repairs and maintenance. Septic tank bacteria in your STEP septic tank system is one way to save money on the maintenance of it!

How to maintain a healthy bacterial population in your STEP septic tank system
There are a number of things that you can do to maintain a healthy bacterial population in your STEP septic tank system, including:
- Avoid putting harsh chemicals or cleaners down the drain: Harsh chemicals and cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank. Anything “Anti Septic” must never go down any drain.
- Use septic tank-safe products: Many household products, such as dish soap and laundry detergent, contain chemicals that can be harmful to septic tank bacteria. Choose products that are specifically labeled as septic tank safe. do not use anything that is “Anti Septic”
- Have your septic tank pumped regularly: Septic tank pumping removes sludge and scum from the tank, which helps to create a healthy environment for bacteria. The frequency of pumping will depend on the size of your tank and the number of people living in your household. However, a good rule of thumb is to have your septic tank pumped every 3-5 years. The more people in your home, The more service pumping you will need. If you have a septic tank that is larger then your family size, The less problems you will have. If you just wait for a back up, You will spend a lot of money cleaning up your abused septic tank. Think of the waste like the oil in your car. Do you wait till your engine blows up then think of changing your oil or do you change your oil at least once a year to help maintain your expensive engine? This is very very environmentally important also!
Signs of a septic tank bacteria problem
If you are experiencing any of the following problems, it may be a sign that you have a problem with your septic tank bacteria:
- Slow draining drains
- Backups in your toilet or sink
- Foul odors coming from your septic tank
- Green or slimy water in your drainfield
- Too many people in your home
- Small septic or undersized septic tank system
- The use of “Anti Septic” products weekly
- The flushing of wipes. Avoid flushing any wipes, including baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, or wet wipes. Even if they are labeled as “flushable,” they can cause clogs and damage to the septic system.
- The flushing of woman’s personal products
- The flushing of paper towels. Only toilet paper should be flushed down a toilet connected to a septic tank.
- Bleach use. Avoid flushing any harsh chemicals such as bleach, disinfectants, or drain cleaners. These chemicals can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the septic tank and harm the overall system.
- Mouth wash down a drain
- Paint, solvents, or pesticides: Never dispose of paint, solvents, or pesticides by flushing them down the toilet. These chemicals can be toxic to the bacteria in the septic tank and potentially contaminate the groundwater.
- Medications: Avoid flushing expired or unused medications down the toilet. Medications can contaminate the groundwater and harm the environment. It’s best to dispose of them properly according to local regulations
- Grease, oil, or fats: Never pour grease, oil, or fats down the toilet or any other drain. These substances can solidify in the septic tank and cause blockages.
Remember, the septic tank is designed to handle human waste and toilet paper effectively. By avoiding flushing these items down the toilet, you can help maintain a healthy and properly functioning septic system.
If you notice any of these problems, it is important to contact a qualified septic tank professional immediately for an emergency pumping, then order specifically designed septic tank bacteria from us to help bring back a backed or failed septic tank. Just the use of even low cost septic tank designed BioForce Bacterial Waste Liquefier could save you many thousands in the short to long run! Just one year’s supply is less then 1 septic tank service charge!
The Main Line:
By following the tips above, you can help to maintain a healthy bacterial population in your STEP septic tank system. This will help to ensure that your system is functioning properly and efficiently, and that it lasts for many years to come.
Why buy septic bacteria from us? We are proudly GREEN!
We do not just sit behind a desk and sell septic bacteria products, With having over 40 years of working in the septic tank system field and have gotten our hands dirty by troubleshooting failed septic systems to installing them. I know how septic systems work and can give you a real-world answer to any questions you may have. We know what tank bacteria works,how it works and why it works. We solve failed septic system problems by wearing Dickie uniforms and not a suit and tie.
Welcome to the Family and THANK YOU for your order!
Some interesting reading on septic bacteria:
Reducing the Environmental Impact of Septic Tanks for Homeowner Environmentalists
Pot use and its effects on Septic Tank Bacteria.
Septic Tank Bacteria and the Transgender Community: (2023)
Homeowners guide on how to locate their Septic Tank and Drainfield.
The Yeast and Sugar Myth: What You Need to Know About Septic Tanks
STEP Septic Tank Systems and the Need for Septic Tank Bacteria by SepticTankBacteria.com