Septic tank maintenance

The tank is normally comprised of cement or resin in newer systems with either drainageholes inside the unit itself or in the drain or field lines on the outflow side of the septic system. As solid wastes enter the chamber, they settle to the bottom of the septic where bacteria and enzymes decompose the solids into water and gas. Fats, oils and grease rise to the upper level of the system and merge into a 4 inch layer which normally breaks down more slowly. Baffles halt the muck layer from leaving the tank and further clogging the drainage areas. The tank or pit will usually have access ports consisting of access covers or clean out lines. Septic system pumpers remove undigested solids through these cleanout lines and can conduct a thorough inspection through larger ports as part of a regular maintenance.
There are hundreds of septic system layouts ranging from single unit perforated tanks to 4 compartment pre treatment reservoirs. Every one of the systems basically depend on rich bacteria and enzymes to decompose waste into a workable form that the drain field area can absorb. Loaded with simple bacteria, many septic systems yield many years of functionality and can remain trouble free as long as regular maintenance is implemented. This pristine functionality might be achievable but is often not the situation in most cases. Most all household cleaners such as laundry chemicals, bleach, kitchen cleaners, commode cleaners, anti bacterial cleaners and other general use cleaners contain ingredients that are very detrimental to the flourishing bacteria colonies inside the system itself. Many new, more bacteria friendly products are arriving regularly but are some times difficult to find or basically do not clean as efficiently as the detrimental ones. Since a few septic systems steer this chemical or grey water to flow into a different leaching location, a good amount of systems are set up so as to allow these toxic liquids to go directly into your septic, killing massive quantities of bacteria within the system.
In most areas, diverting your laundry and other grey water can pose a problem and all depends on if you have a suitable spot to do so and if it is acceptable by your local code. If you can reroute your grey water, typically a French drain or drywell type system is used to handle the wastewater. For everyone else, striving to increase the bacteria and enzyme counts inside the system is the optimal approach to make sure the system will last many years. Reducing the use of harsh chemical cleaners is the correct step to helping healthy bacteria dominate the system. Some retailers are now starting to carry suitable formulations of products that will generally perform their function without destroying as much bacteria as other brands. By adding high concentrate bacteria to your system is the ultimate method of encouraging that bacteria and enzyme colonies are not reduced or killed.Fortunately, bacteria additives created for septic tank maintenance and complete restoration from failure are easily located. Bacteria, added regularily to the septic system, will offset the killing power of many chemicals and will keep your bacteria colonies healthy and readily available to digest the solids contained in your system. Administering bacteria and enzymes that are chemical resistant and contain a substantial amount of colonies is of the utmost importance being that many over the counter products contain diminished amounts of bacteria when compared to much stronger, commercial strength brands.