An unkempt septic tank may pose a health hazard not only to your household, but also to your neighborhood. To function well, your septic system must uphold the delicate balance of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. The bacteria forces waste to decompose, and it encourages a healthy system. To prevent problems, learn how to help your system operate efficiently with properly balanced bacteria.

3 Best Ways to Maintain Your Septic Tank’s Bacterial Balance

1. Schedule Inspection & Pumping

There’s no better way to keep your system operating as it should than through regular inspection, maintenance, and pumping. Pumping should be done every 2 to 5 years, depending on the size of your tank and household. Maintaining your septic system ensures that the accumulated waste never takes up more than 25% of your septic tank’s operating depth.

2. Avoid Destructive Products

You may be inclined to use popular cleaning products in an attempt to clean your septic tank, but these may upset the bacterial balance. Most imbalances are caused by toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable products such as drain cleaners, detergents, bleach, and anti-bacterial products. This can cause your system to back up and require more cleaning and pumping.

3. Add Bacteria-Friendly Products

There are times when the billions of bacteria living in the tank may not decompose the waste fast enough. Between mandatory pumping and inspections, you can maintain the proper bacterial balance by adding some bacteria-friendly products to your septic system, such as baker’s yeast or tablets made from good bacteria. For best results, consult a septic tank service to recommend a maintenance routine.

Having septic tank trouble? Look to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, and the greater Fairbanks area to help you keep your septic system in top condition. With 35 years of experience, their services include septic tank pumping and maintenance, drain cleaning, pipe thawing, water jetting, clogged toilet repair, sewer line inspection, and more. Call (907) 488-9855 to request an estimate, and visit their website for more information about their septic tank care services.