What To Put In Septic Tank To Break Down Solid?

Before jumping into the how and what, it’s essential to know what a septic tank is and why the solid in septic tanks requires breakdown.

Item Most Used In Septic Tank To Break Down Solid

Septic tank

A septic tank is a concrete, Fiberglas, or underground plastic container that collects and treats residential wastewater (sewage). Although treatment efficiency is relatively moderate, settling and anaerobic processes decrease solids and organics (“primary treatment“).

Onsite sewage treatment systems, such as septic tanks, are a type of onsite sewage treatment system (OSSF). They can be used in situations where sewage is unavailable, such as in rural areas.

In most cases, the treated liquid effluent is disposed of in a septic drain field, where it is further treated. On the other hand, contamination of groundwater is a possibility and a cause for worry.

The anaerobic bacterial environment that develops in the tank decomposes or mineralizes the waste released into it is referred to as “septic.”

Other onsite wastewater treatment units, such as bio-filters or aerobic systems with artificially induced aeration, can be used in conjunction with septic tanks.

Sludge buildup, also known as septage or sludge, occurs at a quicker pace than breakdown. As a result, the collected sludge must be removed on a regular basis, which is usually done with a vacuum truck.

Capacity of septic tank

A septic tank is made up of one or more concrete or plastic tanks that store 1,000 to 2,000 gallons and are connected to a septic drain field, an intake wastewater pipe, a septic drain field, and on the other end, a septic drain field.

The T pipe is commonly used for these pipe connections because it allows liquid to enter and exit without disrupting the surface crust.

The tank is usually divided into two chambers, each with an access door and cover, and separated by a dividing wall with apertures around midway between the tank’s floor and roof.

Working of septic tank

The first chamber of the tank is where the waste settles, and the scum floats. The volume of solids is reduced by anaerobic digestion of settling sediments.

The liquid component passes through the dividing wall into the second chamber, which settles even more. Depending on where you live, the surplus liquid, which is now clear, runs out the outlet into the septic drain field, which is also called as a leach field, drain field, or seepage field.

Before installation, a percolation test is necessary to determine that the soil’s porosity is sufficient to operate as a drain field.

Percolation into the soil, evaporation, and absorption through the root system of plants remove the excess water, which is eventually transpired or enters groundwater or surface water.

At the same time, the remaining contaminants are retained and eradicated in the soil. The pipe network, usually built in a stone-filled trench (see weeping tile) and has many drainage holes, distributes the effluent over the field.

The size of the drainage field is proportional to the amount of wastewater and inversely proportional to the porosity of the drainage field.

If topographic circumstances need it, the entire septic system can function on gravity alone or with the assistance of a lift pump.

Some septic tank designs contain siphons or other processes to improve the volume and velocity of discharge to the drainage zone.

By preventing early clogging or bio clogging, they contribute to the more uniform filling of drainage pipes and prolonging drainage field life.

The sludge is digested in a separate tank in an Imhoff tank, a two-stage septic system. This prevents digested sludge from mingling with incoming sewage.

The anaerobic first-stage effluent is aerated in specific septic tank designs before emptying into the seepage field. A properly constructed and working septic system produces no doors.

A septic tank should endure for decades with minimum care aside from periodic inspection and empty concrete, fiberglass, or plastic tanks lasting roughly 50 years.

Waste handling in a septic tank.

Liquid and solid waste are handled differently by septic systems. The tank’s liquid waste drains into the system’s drain field. The liquid waste is carefully dispersed into the soil via pipes buried beneath the earth, where it continues to degrade until finally entering the groundwater.

On the other hand, solid waste never makes it out of the septic tank. Instead, anaerobic bacteria species break down the trash over time.

This technique decreases the volume of waste, resulting in a more compact sludge layer at the tank’s bottom. Solid trash does not decompose at the same pace.

Feces and other organic substances decompose relatively fast. Other organic solids degrade at a slower rate. Toilet paper and garbage disposal food waste are examples of solids.

Some solids aren’t biodegradable in any way. Solids include plastics, cigarette butts, cat litter, and even coffee grinds. It is not a good idea to put non-biodegradable material into your septic system as they are more extensive.

Non-biodegradable sediments need more frequent tank pumping and increase the danger of blockages and other problems.

The quantity of water you put into your septic system has an impact on how quickly it degrades biologically. The microorganisms in your tank have a stricter time performing their work when you flood your system with too much water.

As a result, solid waste will not decompose at the same pace, leading your tank to fill up faster. Even people with correctly sized septic tanks must keep track of how much water they consume in their homes.

Breakdown of solids in a septic tank.

Solid waste is broken down and digested by naturally occurring bacteria in your septic tank. These are the beneficial bacteria you’ll need to keep your septic tank system running well.

The liquid in your tank then flows into your drain field through microscopic gaps in the pipes. You’ll need to figure out how big your septic tank is.

Knowing the size of your septic tank can aid you in selecting the appropriate amount of septic tank treatment. Using hazardous chemicals for septic tank treatment on giant septic tanks may disrupt the healthy bacterial habitat your septic system needs to work correctly.

Furthermore, a septic tank treatment meant for smaller tanks would not produce the intended outcomes. This may demand more regular septic tank treatment.

The bacteria that live in your septic tank are crucial to managing the number of solids in your septic tank. Your tank will fill up faster if you don’t have enough bacteria.

Choose the septic tank treatment that is right for you. You can help your septic tank break down solid waste by doing the following:

Yeast that is alive and healthy

Fill your toilet bowl with 1\2 cup active dry yeast, then flush it away. Because the yeast has to sit in your pipes to function properly, avoid doing activities like running the dishwasher or taking a shower that would wash the yeast away too quickly.

Tomatoes are rotten.

They have proteins called pectinase, which may sound unusual at first. These substances degrade pectin and plant cell walls. All of this aids in the breakdown of solid waste and the recycling of waste plant materials, both of which are beneficial to your septic system.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

This was formerly a specific suggestion for breaking down particles in your septic tank. This isn’t typically recommended anymore because it might degrade the soil and produce problems with your drain field. It takes time to make sure it’s appropriately diluted before using it.

Inorganic acids

These corrosive substances can potentially harm your septic system’s pipes and walls. While they are effective in clearing obstructions, they are potentially dangerous to your septic tank. They have the potential to destroy the microorganisms in your tank, resulting in raw sewage leaks and a much worse problem.

Chemicals

Chemicals may be purchased to add to your septic tank to aid in the breakdown of sediments. To avoid causing harm to your septic system, make sure to follow the guidelines on the package.

Pumping

A professional septic tank pumping is one technique to ensure you’re getting rid of the sediments in your septic tank. Pumping your sewage tank is a significant chore that should be included in your septic tank maintenance plan.

Conclusion 

Make arrangements to have your septic tank drained. There is a horrible stink when you remove the debris and filth. Regularly pumping your septic tank is crucial for maintaining it in excellent working order.

If you can’t see your septic tank, you might be wondering how you’ll know when it’s complete. It’s not something you can dismiss.

According to experts, your septic tank should be emptied every three to five years. There will be no sewage backlog as a result of this.