What Happens to Your Septic System When You Don’t Use Bacterial Additives?

It seems strange to think of bacteria as a cleaning agent, but that’s exactly what it is when it comes to your septic system. Bacteria in your septic tank breaks down waste in your wastewater before sending it on to the leach field. Without the help of bacteria, solid waste becomes too plentiful and clogs up your system. So what happens when there is a shortage of this germ-killing bacteria?

Why Would There Be A Shortage?
People often use products that kill this beneficial bacteria that cleans their wastewater. These mostly include common household cleaning products that contain anti-bacterial ingredients like bleach and ammonia. When you wash these chemicals down the drains, they enter your septic tank and kill off the good bacteria. This is detrimental to your septic system because it has now lost its ability to break down waste, thus increasing your chances of backups and damage. To prevent this, you should be using natural cleaners like vinegar or tea tree oil that clean without harsh results to your septic system or the environment.

Help Your System Out
Another way to prevent a shortage of bacteria is to replenish it. This is where an additive like CCLS comes into play. Bacterial additives quickly replace bacteria that may have been destroyed by the use of harsh chemicals, and they are an inexpensive way to keep your system running efficiently. But remember, additives are just additives. They are not meant to take the place of septic maintenance. Even with a healthy amount of bacteria, you still have to pump out your tank every 1-2 years. Have one of our Wind River techs evaluate whether an additive would benefit your system. We can determine if your system needs a bacterial boost during or in between your regular service appointments, and schedule accordingly. Contact Us or Request Service Today.