Homeowners have to take care of many things to ensure good maintenance. Home maintenance includes many things including septic tank maintenance. You need to keep an eye on your septic tank maintenance too. To keep your septic tank in good condition you need to keep adding bacteria-rich materials on regular basis. Solids build up in your septic tank because you don’t take care of it on regular basis.
If you keep taking care of it on regular basis then you would not need to worry about solid build-ups. Septic tanks easily build up solids that can become a disturbance. But here is how you can take care of your septic tank on regular basis.
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What to put in a septic tank to break down solids?
In the market, you can easily find some septic tank additives that help in preventing sold build-ups. These additives are rich in bacteria and enzymes that help in breaking down solids.
You may find multiple brands and products in the store but the basics are always the same. What do you need to know about septic tank additives? Of course the main ingredient or components.
Almost every septic tank additive includes the following components.
Septic tank bacteria
Do you know when you need to break down solids and what comes to help? Of course bacteria and micro-organisms. That’s why whenever you think solids are built up in your septic tank then you should consider adding a little number of bacteria that will help to break down solids.
Septic tank enzymes
Enzymes are proteins and they break down complex units into small and simple units. When solid builds up in your septic tank, you need to add an element that could break down complex units into smaller units. That’s what enzymes do. So by adding septic tank enzymes into your septic tank you can get rid of solid build-ups.
Organic matter
We want to get rid of solid build-ups in our septic tank and bacteria can help in that case. That’s why you need to add every element that contains a rich amount of healthy bacteria. Organic matter is a great source of good bacteria that helps to break down solids in the septic tank. The organic matter may include compost, sawdust, or manure.
Nitrogen
You would be surprised about this component because it is used for plants. Do you know why we use nitrogen for plants? It provides essential nutrition to plants, grows your lawn, and fertilizes the soil. That’s why we can say that nitrogen can break down solids in your septic tank. Nitrogen is not essential for your plants only but it helps to maintain your septic system too.
Mineral Supplements
Some of the septic tank additives include mineral supplements. These supplements ensure the smooth mobility of water through your septic tank. Greensand and charcoal are the basics of these supplements. So you can put either greensand or charcoal in your septic system to see what works best for you.
When it comes to home cleaning and maintenance, don’t be afraid of trying experiments. You are the owner and wish the best for your home. That’s why you should keep trying and experimenting with new ideas so that you could find the best choice for your home.
How to break up solids in a septic tank?
Earlier I mentioned some of the basics of commercial septic tank cleaners. You can add those substitutes separately to see what works best. If you are not sure what to add to your septic tank to break down solids then here you go.
Here are some of the home remedies you can try to break down solids in your septic tank. All of the following substances are easy to find. Some of them are easily available in your kitchen.
Active Yeast
All you need to do is to add ¼ to ½ cup of active dry yeast to your toilet bowl. After that just flush it down. But you need to take care of a couple of things. Since yeast takes time to sit in the pipes to show its magic. That’s why you need to limit your washing activities.
For example, avoid running your dishwasher or don’t take shower just after putting yeast. It will let yeast flush out so quickly. Yeast helps to strengthen bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank. As a result, the bacteria break down solids.
Chemicals
You can simply purchase ready-to-use chemicals to clean your septic tank. These chemicals contain strong ingredients that help in breaking down solids in your septic tank. We don’t often recommend you use chemicals directly in your septic tank. These chemicals may include harmful components. You can harm your skin or your septic system.
That’s why if you don’t want to try home remedies and want an instant solution then make sure you read the instructions carefully.
Hydrogen Peroxide
In past, it has been common practice to use hydrogen peroxide in the septic system to break down solids. But now, it is not recommended anymore. Because using hydrogen peroxide directly can harm your septic system. It can harm the soil and pipes and that’s why we don’t recommend using it directly.
If you still want to use hydrogen peroxide in your septic system to break down solids instantly then take some time to dilute it properly. Diluted hydrogen peroxide is not dangerous anymore.
Inorganic Acids
Inorganic acids are a great option when you need to clear clogs. But inorganic acids can harm your septic system. Inorganic acids are harmful to your septic system because they can kill useful bacteria. The bacteria that are useful in breaking down solids are killed by acids.
Inorganic acids can also damage the walls and pipes of your septic system which leads to more leakage.
Conclusion
Whenever your septic tank gets filled with water and solid build-ups you get disturbed. It is indeed disturbing. This inconvenience leads people to rush towards strong chemicals.
These chemicals no doubt help in cleaning your septic system within a matter of minutes. But they can leave damage to your system that cannot be recovered easily. Instead of using ready-made chemicals, you should try home remedies.
