Septic Tank SOS: Unveiling the Myths and Magic of Maintenance
Imagine a scene straight out of a horror movie. You see a gurgling drain and a suspicious puddle in the yard. Then you hear the dreaded words, “Septic tank backup!” It’s a homeowner’s worst nightmare, and for the estimated 1 in 5 U.S. homes reliant on septic systems [US Environmental Protection Agency], it’s a constant concern. But fear not, fellow suburban and rural dwellers! This comprehensive guide will transform you from a septic skeptic into a maintenance master. Septic Tank SOS: Unveiling the Myths and Magic of Maintenance, Your easy to use guide to septic tank maintenance!
We’ll bust the myths surrounding septic tank treatments. We’ll unveil the secrets most blogs won’t tell you. We will equip you with practical tips to keep your system running smoothly for years to come. Ditch the chemical drain cleaners. Grab a cup of metaphorical courage. It’s time to delve into the fascinating world of septic tank maintenance!
The Silent Hero: Understanding Your Septic System
For many, septic systems are a mysterious black box (well, more like a concrete tank). But understanding its basic workings is the key to effective maintenance. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
Wastewater arrives: Your household drains funnel wastewater (a mix of water, toilet waste, and other materials) into the septic tank.
Separation act: Solids settle to form sludge at the bottom. Fats, oils, and grease (FOGs) rise to create a scum layer on top. The remaining liquid, clarified effluent, flows into the drainfield.
The bacterial breakdown: Billions of good bacteria, naturally present in the tank, decompose organic waste in the effluent.
The drainfield’s duty: The effluent trickles through a network of perforated pipes in the drainfield. The soil naturally filters and purifies the water. It then returns the water to the groundwater.
The Septic Tank Treatment Mythbusters: Separating Fact from Fiction
The internet is rife with misinformation about septic tank treatments. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths:
Myth #1: Chemical additives are a magic bullet.
Reality: Harsh chemicals can kill the good bacteria vital for waste breakdown. Opt for natural, enzyme-based cleaners that support the existing bacterial community Like BioForce Bacterial Waste Liquefier [US Environmental Protection Agency].
Myth #2: Pumping is a once-in-a-decade necessity.
Reality: Pumping frequency depends on usage and tank size. A typical household needs pumping every 3-5 years [US Environmental Protection Agency]. A professional can assess your specific needs. We strongly advise to have a septic check up every 2 to 4 years. The sooner a problem is spotted, The less it will cost to solve. If you are missing a septic tank filter, install a new one. You may have just saved many thousands in repairs to that expensive drainfield!
Myth #3: Septic tank treatments are a silver bullet.
Reality: Treatments can’t replace proper maintenance and pumping. They may provide some benefit by supplementing bacterial populations. However, they are not a substitute for addressing the root cause of problems [National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)]. Well yes. If I wanted a home, I might look for a builder who belongs to NAHB. If I want a working septic tank system installed, serviced, or maintained, I rely on my 40 years of experience. I have spent decades in the Septic Industry. I do not depend on a home builder. We also listen to Labs, Scientists, USGS about soil surveys to Industry proven Professors who got their hands dirty. When we recommend a product, This comes from years of working with it. Keep in mind also, We work with proven industry professionals across the United States and Colleges and their professionals. We know what works.
BioForce Bacterial Waste Liquefier
The Untold Story: Beyond Pumping and Septic Tank Bacteria Products
While pumping and avoiding harsh chemicals are crucial, there’s more to septic system maintenance than meets the eye. Here are some lesser-known secrets for a healthy system:
Embrace water conservation: Every drop counts! Fix leaky faucets, take shorter showers, and consider water-efficient appliances to reduce the workload on your tank. Make it a game to see how much water you can save!
The “3 Ps” rule: Only flush the “3 Ps”: pee, poo, and (toilet) paper. Anything else, like coffee grounds, grease, or feminine hygiene products, can clog your system.
The pumping paradox: While regular pumping is essential, too much pumping can disrupt the delicate bacterial balance. Consult a septic professional for a personalized schedule. If your system needs to pump often, continue to use BioForce Bacterial Waste Liquefier. This helps break down the waste that will reach your drain field.
The drainfield dance: Avoid planting trees or building structures over your drainfield. Their roots can damage the pipes or impede proper drainage. Do not drive over it too!
The Future of Septic Systems: Innovation and Sustainability
The septic system landscape is evolving. Let’s explore some innovative trends:
Bioaugmentation: Introducing specific bacterial strains to enhance waste breakdown is a promising area of research [US Environmental Protection Agency]. We foresaw this 40 years ago. We have worked with many failed systems to bring them back. We also help clean them up. We also use a lab to test samples so we know what septic bacteria to add from it’s “DNA”.
Alternative treatment systems: In some cases, advanced septic systems might be necessary. They may include sand filters or other technologies. These are required to meet stricter environmental regulations.
Smart septic systems: Emerging technologies monitor tank levels and effluent quality, potentially offering remote monitoring and preventative maintenance.
The Septic System Ecosystem: A Delicate Balance
It’s important to remember that your septic system isn’t just a standalone tank; it’s part of a complex ecosystem. Here’s how to foster a healthy balance:
Maintaining a healthy drainfield: The drainfield is the workhorse of the system, so proper soil conditions are vital. Aerate compacted soil with a core aerator and avoid using harmful pesticides or herbicides near the drainfield.
The importance of regular inspections: Schedule regular inspections by a septic professional. These inspections help identify potential problems or threats to the environment.
We do not just sit behind a desk and sell septic bacteria products.
We have over 40 years of working in the septic tank system field. I gotten my hands dirty by troubleshooting failed septic systems to installing them.We 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!
What is the best septic tank treatment? What septic bacteria to use?
Your experience in the field and lab provides answers. These will help your septic tank, leachfield, and overall waste system work better. 40 plus years of septic experience to help you solve your problem.
How to start septic bacteria in your septic tank?, What septic bacteria to use?, Septic treatment for smell?, We have the answers! Septic Tank SOS: Unveiling the Myths and Magic of Maintenance.
Some good reading on Septic Tank Systems and Bacteria:
Essential septic tank owners guide by SepticTankBacteria.com
Undeniable Proof That You Need the Essential septic tank owner’s guide had to be written. Many great minds in the septic industry are sadly passing away and with every passing, we lose their knowledge. This had to be written down for future generations of septic tank owners and operators. Over our last 40 plus years, we have encountered recurring questions. These questions concern septic tank systems and related parts. This is also a chance to pick our brain. You can see what we see. Discover the solutions to common septic problems.
Why you have to ready Undeniable Proof That You Need Our Septic Tank Owner’s Guide:
Essential Reading: Our Septic Tank Owner’s Guide provides crucial information for maintaining a healthy system and avoiding costly repairs. This guide protects your investment. It gives you the knowledge to prevent costly backups. You can protect your property value and ensure environmental safety. This guide should be printed out and kept in a safe place. Review it if you think you may have a problem with your septic system.
Septic System Owner’s Guide
      Many others have written tips about septic systems. They sadly have limited knowledge in the septic industry. They do not possess keen insight or first-hand knowledge of the actual workings. These individuals only read what others wrote. They have never seen, serviced, troubleshot, or even located a septic system. Does it make them uneducated? No. With the Essential Septic Tank Owner’s Guide We hope to help your septic system last longer and run cleaner.
I promise you that we will not “shop Talk” you. We will make it easy to understand how a septic system operates. Undeniable Proof That You Need a septic tank owner’s guide was written to help you spot problems before they start.
With our clients who purchase our septic tank bacteria products on our website SepticTankBacteria.com, we offer our 40 plus years of septic system installs. We provide troubleshooting for a wide range of issues. This experience helps clients choose the best product for their needs. 40 plus years wearing dickie work uniforms and getting our hands dirty. We do not just sit in a nice climate control office and sell bacteria. We actually see septic systems every day.
The main septic tank line leaving your home.
The main septic tank line leaving your home carries the waste from your toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. It handles waste from all drains to your septic tank. Generally, this waste line can be 3 inches and on up.
88% of the septic waste line is are a 4-inch size. The size of your septic waste line leaving your home can be larger. It depends on the amount of waste it has to handle. The number of people living there full time also affects the size. Additionally, the number of rooms in the home or building play a role. The main septic tank waste line leaving your home or building can be made of PVC, or Cast Iron Pipe. It can also be made of metal, both galvanized and non-galvanized metal pipe. Yes, we have excavated non-galvanized pipes of different sizes. These include 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, and up to 8 inches. The pipes rotted and caused a root blockage. Metal pipe underground tends to rot in spots due to the moisture in the ground.
SDR PVC Septic Waste Line Pipe:
PVC pipe takes many many years to rot. That is why most septic installers use PVC pipe. They use both the green pipe called thin-wall SDR-35 and the common heavier Schedule 40 white PVC pipe.
SDR-35 Green Sewer Pipe:
The green color of the SDR-35 sewer pipe is there for a reason. Green is the international color of sewer underground. So if a contractor is excavating and finds a green pipe, they might assume it’s a sewer pipe. Their guess is just based on its appearance. However, that is not always the case. If you are digging and you find a pipe underground, You must call again for a Utility Mark Out. It is required before any digging. You should know to proceed with caution or stop and call for another Utility Mark Out. You never know what you will find digging!
Blue Brute Sewer Pipe:
There is a Blue colored pipe that is extra heavy PVC called “Brute”. This pipe was designed for parking lots where heavy traffic will be. Brute’s extra-duty design makes it very resistant to being crushed. It can withstand a lot from weighted items like dump trucks, cars, and payloaders. The brute pipe is not common in homeowner septic installs. We have used it in homes where heavy traffic may be a problem.
The Septic Tank: Mother Nature’s gift to the environment!
Septic tank systems are a gift from Mother Nature herself when operating like it was designed to. A septic tank is a giant filter. Think of it like a water filter, oil filter, air conditioner filter to even the screens on your home! A septic tank will filter out what is drained or flushed.
A Septic Tank has a few important jobs………….
A septic tank has a few important jobs:
To stop solids from reaching the drain field.
Stop the flow of wastewater “Running” thru a septic tank and flooding out the drain field.
To hold the solids so the septic tank bacteria can break it down and digest it.
Septic tanks are generally rectangular and concrete but just like the times that have changed, So have septic tanks. There are round “Poly” septic tanks that are lightweight and when up to operating level, can be strong.
Let’s get back to Concrete septic tanks. They are the most common in the ground in the United States. Almost 96 % of Septic Tanks are concrete. “Poly” septic tanks are gaining in popularity.
Yes we work in the industry! This is a septic tank install we did. One of many!
Components of a Septic Tank
Before we look inside a septic tank, Let’s look on the outside first. In the above picture we show our backhoe holding a septic tank. On the top are 2 openings where septic tank covers go. They are important to have so it’s easy to service, inspect or pump a septic tank. Septic tank covers must be raised to grade and always be easy to find and never covered up. Now to the inside of a septic tank.
Septic tank top by SepticTankBacteria.com
The above picture taken by SepticTankBacteria.com. From left to right, it shows a 4-inch main septic drain line made of SDR-35 coming from the home. A cleanout is also shown. After backfilling, we cut it to grade and placed a round irrigation valve box cover on top of it. It then goes into an elbow and into the septic tank.
Inside the first cover of the septic tank shows a baffle then a open space. We had to install a baffle due to the pitch of the main septic line. We wanted to prevent the waste from flowing rapidly through the septic tank. This was especially important after a massive rain, leading to the septic tank outlet filter tee. In the second septic manhole, the 4 inch Tee is missing. We install a Septic Filter in it.
Why did we set up this septic tank installation this way?
We set up this septic tank installation like this due to the home’s location. We also considered the site elevation. Finally, we determined the best placement for the rest of the new septic system. This ensures maximum septic system operation.
Septic Tank and Cesspools……
We installed a total of 3 septic tanks in series. There are septic filters leaving each septic tank. We wanted to keep the drain field as clean as possible. We also wanted to give the drain field a rest when the 3 septic tanks are pumped. The septic drain field and cesspool will dry out also.
Yes, I just said cesspool. We installed a very large cesspool before the septic drain field. Cesspools are allowed in this county. We installed it just after the last septic tank. The drain field also got a septic filter when it left the cesspool. The water table at this location was over 150 feet deep. We installed a cesspool in the manor. We also added outside inspection ports and filter fabric. Untreated sanitary waste will not come close to the water table.
Every cover was raised to grade for easy troubleshooting if there is a problem. We do not think there will be a problem If they still add septic tank bacteria from us. Not the hardware store or big box store stuff but actually quality septic tank bacteria purchased from us.
Septic Drain Fields:
Septic tank drain fields distribute the wastewater that has been filtered thru a septic tank first. Keeping the septic tank well-maintained improves the drain field. It also makes it easier to operate as designed.
This is why a septic tank filter and quality septic tank bacteria are very important in your septic maintenance plan. Mother Nature has her plans with every septic drain field. Her goal is to filter the wastewater for the last time. This happens before it gets returned to the Earth to be used again somewhere.
Septic Drain Field BioMat:
Septic drain field biomat is a gift from Mother Nature. After a new drain field installation, wastewater flows through the septic tank and enters the drain field. It will slowly develop around the drain field pipe holes.
88% of all septic drain fields after 5 years have biomat growing around them. A properly designed, sized, and installed system needs pumping every 2-3 years. Conduct inspections every year to catch problems early. Use our septic tank bacteria to control the growth of biomat.
Another way to control the growth of biomat is having 2 or more septic drain fields. You can use a directional valve to switch wastewater from one drain field to another.
Septic Biomat Control:
Another way to control the biomat around a septic drain field is the use of the septic bacteria we offer. Some septic contractors have specialized equipment for this purpose. This procedure will clean up the septic drain pipe. It will digest scum blocking the normal operation of your system. This procedure is all-natural!
Why murder Mother Nature?
Some companies claim their magical product will “murder” the Biomat. This Biomat is used by Mother Nature as a filter to keep the environment cleaner.
If you “Murder” the Biomat, You are helping to destroy the environment. Biomat is part of the last treatment process of septic waste. Biomat is needed in all onsite septic systems to keep the environment as natural as possible.
If you have a backing up problem due to the Biomat, Your system was not designed correctly for its use. Problems tend to start when people sell homes. More people live inside the homes than what the system was designed for. Why murder Mother Nature?
Septic tank bacteria’s role in septic maintenance.
Yes, even after a well-thought-out and planned septic system install, they will need a quality septic tank bacteria product. This product should be purchased from us. It helps to keep the system as clean as possible and full of quality septic bacteria.
Every septic system is better when septic tank bacteria is used every month.
All septic tanks work better with added septic tank bacteria products purchased from us. It’s just like pumping every 2 to 3 years. Septic bacteria products are essential for a healthy working septic drain field system. They help protect it from failure. This is true if the system was installed correctly and sized for the home’s needs.
Our studies show that the septic systems we manage have increased time between pumpings by 5 – 15%. This improvement occurs when they use our septic tank bacteria every month. The system is cleaner and this enhances its longevity.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Hydrogen Sulfide, The black scum under non-breathing septic systems is a killer of septic bacteria in septic systems. It grows and rots out concrete above and below the wastewater. Hydrogen Sulfide is a very powerful acid.
Septic systems that have airflow all year long will have less of this septic tank killer. Use our septic tank bacteria to reduce it even more!
All Septic Systems Must Breathe…….
All septic systems must breathe. I can not hammer this point hard enough. All cleanouts and manholes must be raised to grade. They need to be above to allow the free flow of air in the system. Just doing this alone will help your septic system last longer. Air will circulate inside the septic system. It will remove some of the hydrogen sulfide. Air is also sent into your drain field to help dry it out.
If your septic install contractor does not raise all your covers and clean outs, ask yourself why. What might they be hiding? No County or Local Government inspections before they backfill? What are they hiding? If your contractor raises every cleanout or inspection port to grade, tell the permit inspector. Make sure they know you requested a county inspection for a permit. Let them know you, as the homeowner, requested it for environmental reasons.
Septic Tank Maintenance
Now onto septic tank maintenance. Let me start with when you should not wait to get your septic tank serviced. I have seen all of this happen. I have also heard all the excuses that generally follow.
Do not wait till your toilet does not flush to get your septic tank serviced. If the problem is your clogged up septic tank, it’s not a service. It’s an emergency pumping to get your toilet flushing.
This also means that the septic pumper contractor will have to come back. They will spend many hours cleaning up your septic system. This process will get expensive.
Think of this as the oil in your car. Changing your oil only when your engine blows up is not effective. Waiting till your engine blows is not the warning light to tell you to change the oil. It is an engine failure and the engine must be replaced. If you wait until the septic system fails, you must replace it with a new one.
Once A Year Septic Inspections.
Do: Have your septic system inspected once a year to catch problems before they become expensive problems. Many expensive problems can be caught early enough to keep them from not being expensive.
We observe a 30-50 percent performance increase in all septic systems that we manage. This applies to systems we installed and those that meet our septic installation standards.
Once a year, have your septic cleaning contractor safely lift all clean outs and covers. Ask them to inspect the septic baffles. They should also inspect filters to the thickness of the concrete itself. Measure the Scum and Sledge levels of the tank. Check if they are within proper operating requirements.
ProTip: Your septic tank is not your garbage can, so do not treat it that way.
The D Box:
2. The D Box is located just after your septic tank. It’s also known as the distribution box, and it is positioned before your drain field. Check to see if the d box settled with a level. Look for signs of a stoppage, such as a cracked or broken pipe. Check if roots are growing in. Also, see if any animals are making a home in there.
Have somebody flush the toilet. Wait to see the wastewater flow through the d box. Check if it stops in the d box. See if it ponds in the d box. Determine if it just flows out to the drain field. There should be no standing water in the d box!
Check for crushed-looking pipe inside the D Box. Look where the pipes come in with contact with the concrete d box itself. If they look oblong and not brand new round, a car might have driven over it. There may be crushed pipe you cannot see with just your eyes. You should never ever drive over your septic system no matter where it is. No excuses!
Since your drain field is below ground level, We will start with an above-ground visual inspection. Look for above-ground noticeable damage to the leach field by cars or animals. Inspect for tree roots causing ponding. Watch for signs of septic leach field failure. In some areas, The frost line can move pipes upward and poke them out of the ground.
Septic Tank drain field damage:
Any damage has to be fixed as soon as possible for the system to work correctly. If you have inspection ports on the end of your leach field, check them. Ensure they are not root bound or holding water. Air must circulate out of them and not wastewater! If your septic contractor has a small push sewer camera, have them inspect each leg of the leach field.
An educated septic tank owner is a smart consumer…………
Now, do you see why Undeniable Proof That You Need our septic tank owner’s guide had to be written? We just scratched the septic tank surface with the above information! This was written as a basic guide for homeowners who own septic tank systems. They may have questions about their operation.
An educated septic tank owner is a smart consumer. I hope I educated you a little bit. I hope with all this information you can weed out the good honest septic contractors from the rest.
Please share our septic tank owner’s guide with your friends and families. You can send Undeniable Proof That You Need as a whole piece. This is copyrighted, and we own it. If you would like to use this piece as part of a presentation, PLEASE contact us first.
Why buy septic bacteria from us?
“More Than Just Products: 40+ Years of Septic Expertise”
“At SepticTankBacteria.com, we’re not just a desk-bound company selling septic tank bacteria. We’ve spent over four decades immersed in the realities of septic systems. From troubleshooting failed systems to installing new ones, we’ve gotten our hands dirty and gained invaluable real-world experience.
We understand the intricacies of septic systems, including how different bacteria function and why they’re crucial. We solve septic problems with practical solutions, not just by sitting behind a desk. Our team wears Dickies, not suits, because we’re out there in the field, tackling challenges head-on.
Welcome to the family, and thank you for your order!”
What is the best septic tank treatment? What septic bacteria to use?
No matter what your needs are, we have the right septic tank bacteria maintenance product for you.
We have your experience in the field. We also provide lab answers. These will help your septic tank, leachfield, and overall waste system work better. 40 plus years of septic experience to help you solve your problem.
Order your septic tank bacteria today and start protecting your investment!
Septic tanks are an environmentally friendly way to treat wastewater. They can help to reduce pollution by filtering out harmful bacteria and nutrients. Your donation will help to support research and education about septic tanks and the environment.
