The maintenance and care of your septic system has always been a good topic of debate for so many septic system product manufacturers and it seems that finding the right cleaning product or additive for your septic system has always been a dilemma for so many homeowners. As you may know, there are three main classifications of additives and treatments for your septic tank—inorganic, biological, and organic.
Most inorganic treatments are comprised of very strong and corrosive acids and bases. They are very detrimental to you and to the bacterial colony that thrives and actively does all the work in your septic system. Yes, they unclog the drains and the pipes but they can leave a trail of damage in the drains and pipes and also deplete the bacteria that your septic system needs.
When you look at biological treatments, they are pretty much beneficial to the system because of the natural enzymes and bacteria that they deliver in to your septic system. These pose no harm to your wastewater treatment facility at home because they greatly improve the performance of the existing bacterial population and increase their population as well. You just have to remember that certain bacteria can greatly outperform the standard blend of microbes that may currently exist in your system.
Organic or non-bacteria based septic treatments and additives, however, are not used that often and there are only a handful of these products that hold a high regard for the environment. These types of products can generally be poured into your drain or commode with varying amounts depending on your systems condition. Some of these treatments can actually harm your system and the environment since they may contain corrosive properties to your systems internal components. Many are comprised of simple, readily available products like vinegar or baking soda. Here are a few organic products that you can find in your own cupboard or pantry that could be used as a septic treatment or additive:
1. Vinegar/acetic acid
There have been a significant number of testimonies that prove vinegar to be a good septic tank additive. It is the best alternative for caustic soda treatments, which deplete the bacterial population. Some of the products that contain caustic soda are cleaning agents, laundry agents, and bleach. This is an organic additive that is recommended for your septic system.
2. Yeast
You may be familiar with yeast as an essential ingredient in baking or brewing. Other than these two processes, they could also be used in cleaning septic tanks. To prevent seldomly used septic tanks from giving off disarming smell. The yeast populations help the bacterial population to grow especially in septic tanks that do not get that much sewage flow.
3. Baking soda
This organic additive is also recommended for septic tanks. This can be introduced into the system through the use of a washing machine because they can replace the conventional detergents you use. Baking soda is neutral so it will help in achieving a pH balance in the septic tank for the benefit of the bacterial population. Bacteria thrive in a non-acidic environment and adding just the right amount of baking soda will yield good results.
One can fairly say that organic septic additives and treatments are not extremely harmful at best if they are used as directed and with responsibility. Using them usually has little relation as to how the system will function and are often classified as “miracle tonics” by many septic professionals. As you can see, there are many options to try out to see what really works at helping maintain your septic system. When treating your system, make sure that you consider what’s good for you and for your environment. Bacteria based and organic treatments are better if used properly.
The longevity of your septic system does not only lie in the kind of additive that you use in treating it. You also have to consider the efforts that your household has to do to help the system function optimally such as watching what kind of cleaning products you use (if they are bacteria and environment friendly), water usage, and using drains and toilets properly. Your home and your septic system are a unit. You should work in harmony and exist in harmony. Do your part and it will do its part in keeping away the toxic substances form your home.