Can I Increase The Good Bacteria In My Septic System?

Septic systems are wastewater treatment systems placed in a tank buried in the ground. It helps to manage waste from homes and rural areas that are not connected to municipal sewer systems. It treats wastewater through a natural biological process. Waste decomposes in the tank, and the effluent is discharged into the drain field to be further filtered by soil and bacteria. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste, and some bacteria are beneficial. Therefore, homeowners should ensure that they promote the growth of good bacteria to facilitate the efficient functioning of the septic system. In this article, we will explain if by increasing the good bacteria in your septic system, you can ensure excellent waste management and protect the health of your home.

What are the good bacteria in a septic system?

The good bacteria in septic systems help break down organic waste and keep the system functioning correctly. Some of these beneficial bacteria are known as anaerobes. These bacteria digest waste without the need for oxygen and help break down elements such as protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Other helpful bacteria are aerobes, which require oxygen to function correctly. Aerobic bacteria help in further breaking down waste products. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria, found in soil, can also help to break down solids and convert nitrogen into a form that is useful to plants.

Can the good bacteria numbers be increased?

At first glance, it might seem reasonable to add beneficial bacteria to a septic system. However, septic systems already act as a natural environment for beneficial bacteria to thrive. Adding more bacteria to an already thriving environment may not help and would be unnecessary.

The best way to increase the good bacteria in the septic system is to provide the proper environment for them to thrive. Suppose you think that the system needs an additional introduction of beneficial bacteria. In that case, it is best to use the specialized septic system products available in the market. These products are specifically formulated to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria.

How can you promote the growth of good bacteria in your septic system?

The following are some steps that homeowners can take to promote the growth of good bacteria in their septic systems.

1. Regular pumping: Regular pumping of septic tanks helps to keep the system clean and prevents the buildup of residual sludge. Accumulated sludge reduces the volume of liquid in the tank, and this can affect the performance of the system. Regular pumping ensures that the necessary oxygen required for the bacteria to thrive is available, and this will promote the growth of good bacteria.

2. Do not overuse antibacterial agents: Overusing antibacterial products in the home, such as hand soap, cleaners, and personal care products, can kill off good bacteria in the septic tank. These agents are designed to kill bacteria, and unfortunately, they do not discriminate between good and bad bacteria. Replacing these antibacterial products with natural cleaning methods that do not contain harsh chemicals will help to protect beneficial bacteria in the septic tank.

3. Use septic safe products: Some household products like bleach, ammonia, and toilet cleaners can have a detrimental effect on the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. Homeowners should use septic-safe products that are specifically designed for use in septic systems. These products are designed to break down easily and not harm the bacteria in the tank.

4. Regular maintenance: Regular maintenance of the septic system is critical to its longevity. Proper maintenance ensures that the system is functioning correctly and allows the good bacteria to grow and flourish. Simple habits like not flushing items like sanitary pads, baby wipes, and cigarette butts, can minimize the risk of clogs that prevent the septic system from working correctly.

5. Aeration: Supplementing the septic system with air can help increase the number of aerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria require oxygen to break down waste thoroughly. Installing an aeration system in the septic tank can help to achieve this objective and promote the growth of helpful bacteria.

Final Thoughts

Septic systems are an essential component of rural areas that do not have a connection to municipal sewer systems. They require that homeowners take simple steps to promote the growth of helpful bacteria, which facilitate the efficient functioning of the system. While it may be tempting to add bacteria to the septic system, it may not be necessary. The best way to increase good bacteria numbers is to ensure that the environment in which they exist is conducive to their growth. By providing regular maintenance, using septic safe products, avoiding overuse of antibacterial agents and regular pumping, homeowners can ensure that their septic systems perform optimally. These steps will promote the growth of good bacteria and keep the system running efficiently for many years.