A few weeks ago, my husband and I met with a general contractor. We talked with this professional about building an addition onto our small home. At this time, he informed us about a problem with our septic tank. We learned we would have to relocate a couple of septic lines before construction could begin on our home. Are you considering building an addition onto your house or business? Before you get too far along in this complex process, think about consulting with someone from a reputable septic service in your area. An expert from a septic service can inform you if your current septic tank will be large enough to accommodate the addition. On this blog, I hope you will discover the most common tasks performed by septic services. Enjoy!
Solving a Problem
Things That Can Upset The Healthy Balance Of Bacteria In Your Septic Tank
Debra Chapman
Your septic tank is one of your home's major functioning components, but it is rarely given the time and attention it deserves. There are different levels in the tank that consist of different elements, at least in a well-maintained septic tank. One of the things inside of the tank that serves a vital purpose is the natural bacteria that exists. This bacteria works hard to break down the solid waste so you do not have to have a septic pump out as often.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of things homeowners often flush that can completely disrupt the necessary bacteria in the septic tank and generate a lot of problems. Here are a few examples of things that can upset the healthy balance of bacteria in your septic tank.
1. Medications - Those extended-release tablets in your medicine cabinet, the remaining chemotherapy drugs you no longer have a use for, and even certain other prescription and over-the-counter medications can be damaging to the bacteria in your septic tank. Doing something as simple as flushing remaining antibiotics can have a seriously derogatory effect on how the bacteria functions.
2. Certain Soaps - If you often clean your toilet bowl with soap, it is best to stop doing so. Many soaps contain antibacterial agents that will wipe out the pertinent bacteria in your septic tank. Instead, opt for septic-safe cleaning agents and natural cleaning remedies like vinegar or even baking soda. Even something as seemingly harmless as handsoap can be a big mistake.
3. Massage or Body Oils - Oils and fats should never be flushed into your septic system, even though this is a common practice. Products like massage oils, body oils, and even bath oils can cause a major disruption in the naturally occurring bacteria because the residue basically encapsulates the bacteria so it no longer functions. Plus, the excess oil will build up on the top of the septic tank and can make it necessary for a septic pump out more often.
4. Water Softening Agents - If you have hard water and a water softening system installed in your home, it is important that you never take the salt or brine out of the filtering reservoir and pour it down the toilet. The heavy concentration of salt can be damaging to the various bacterias because salt has antibacterial properties that essentially dehydrate bacterial cells and kills them, even completely wiping out some of them.
Share