When you hear the word “bacteria,” you probably think of the gross germs that get on your hands and make you sick. But actually, bacteria are an essential part of a septic tank system: they help break down solid waste to keep your septic line working perfectly. But if you’re worried about your bacteria levels, you’re not alone—many septic tank owners look for ways to boost their bacteria levels at home to keep their tanks from filling up too fast. In this article, we’ll share some natural ways you can increase the bacteria in your septic tank with organic products you may already own.
Things You Should Know
- Flush 1/4 oz of yeast down the toilet every month to naturally boost bacteria.
- Or, push 3 to 4 rotten tomatoes down the garbage disposal every 4 months.
- Use natural cleaning products and natural soap to avoid killing the good bacteria in your septic tank.
- Don’t flush non-flushable items down the toilet, like medication, menstrual products, or wipes.
Steps
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do I locate the septic tank?David Balkan is a Professional Plumber, CEO of Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service, and President of Balkan Sewer and Drain Cleaning. As a hands-on owner of these companies for over 40 years, David is knowledgeable about water service lines, sewers, and drain line issues. David is a Committee Chairman of the Master Plumbers Council and has sat on the Executive Committee of the Sub Surface Plumbers Association of New York for over 30 years. His knowledge and solution-oriented approach contributed to Balkan Sewer and Water Main Service being the largest and most trusted service in New York City and the recipient of the 2017 Angie’s List Super Service Award.To find your septic tank, search for visible cleaning holes because septic tanks require periodic pumping. Next, pinpoint the siphon or drain within the house. Typically, the initial tank is about 15 feet or slightly more from the external wall of your home, meeting New York City's minimum installation distance requirements. You can also use a small electronic pipe locator if the tank's location eludes you even after identifying the main cleaner or siphon. These tools can be inserted into the home's main sewer or flushed from the toilet to precisely identify the tank locations. If you still struggle to locate the septic tank, it is recommended to hire professional assistance for both tank location and cleaning.
Tips
- In most systems, you don’t need to worry about adding in bacteria. Since you introduce bacteria into the tank every time you flush solid waste, septic tanks typically function well on their own.Thanks
- You can tell if your septic tank is full if drains start backing up or your toilets flush very slowly.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about plumbing, check out our in-depth interview with David Balkan .
References
- ↑ https://septictankpro.com/how-to-increase-bacteria-in-a-septic-tank/
- ↑ https://septictankpro.com/how-to-increase-bacteria-in-a-septic-tank/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems
- ↑ https://septictankpro.com/how-to-increase-bacteria-in-a-septic-tank/
- ↑ https://septictankpro.com/how-to-increase-bacteria-in-a-septic-tank/
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems
- ↑ https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems