Septic tank problems are common in rural areas as so many unwanted materials remain indisposed in the tank and also the activity of microbes is affected by the chemical treatment. The microbial activity helps a lot in reviving the functioning of tank.



Septic tanks are common in rural areas and they are used to properly dispose off solid waste. A septic system has separating walls that separates the water from the waste solid and then the water moves out from the tank. Then the wastewater trickles to the soil and reach the water table.

The wastewater gets automatically filtered while moving down through the soil as the bacteria dies due to absence of oxygen. Thereafter the wastewater mixes with well water after sometime. The solid waste in the tank settles with time and the bacteria in the waste decompose slowly.

Problems with Septic Tanks

There are so many problems associated with the tank that can be identified by the help of various indicators. Sometimes there are slow draining drains that also make gurgling sounds due to the blockage in system line that can even cause sewage backups in the basement. The blockage of drain can be at the tank or in between the house and the tank as sometimes scum layer develops on the waste or water and blocks the inlet in the septic tank.

This problem can be effectively resolved by chemical treatment and also by pumping the tank. But due to chemical treatment the activity and even survival of the microbes is drastically effected. Then the waste break down method of microbes, shifts to anaerobic from the aerobic one and causes foul smell in the field. But with the addition of new microbes the activity of microbes is restored again.

Sometimes the absorption field becomes soggy and even foul odor comes due to development of any clog in the absorption field or failure in the outlet baffle. The solid that remains deposited in the tank now comes out with water from the outlet lines into the field and causes foul smell in the field. There are some costly remedies and solutions to the problem like pumping of septic tank and developing of second absorption field.

Microbiology - A Cost Effective Answer To The Septic Tank Problem

Nowadays with advent of new technology and advancement in microbiology there are some natural and cost effective solutions to the tank problems. One can use a microbial-based product for septic tank treatment and maintenance that reduces the pumping cost, as then a little pumping effort will be required.

As microbes in the tank helps in natural breakdown of the organic solids in the system, the microbes can be even sprayed on the fields. Then they act on the solid waste particles in the field and make the foul smell in the absorption field pleasant again.

They also eliminate the clog in the absorption field and enhance the absorption capability of the soil. The microbes are really beneficial for treatment with minimal risk as they have no harmful effect on the health of neither humans, nor animals. As the microbes are non-caustic and non-corrosive they do not damage the drain lines.

The oil and grease waste takes a lot of time in degrading and can cause clog in the tank, so one should either use separate tank for it or try to minimize the usage of oil and grease. One should also not dump any kind of plastics in the tank as these non-biodegradable products can clog the pipes or soil. Also avoid any overloading of tank with water as water can also shut the system. One should also avoid loading pint and other solvent wastes in the tank for prolonged life of the system.