Septic sludge is anything but a normal thing for homeowners because they have other matters to worry about and manage. Sludge in the septic is perfectly normal. You don’t have to be disgusted about it although too much can be an issue. Homeowners should properly maintain their septic systems, as well as become familiar with their septic components.
Septic sludge level is the most readily accessible indicator of your system’s health and functionality. When the septic sludge is at normal levels, you know that the wastewater treatment process is plugging along. On the other hand, when the septic sludge is too abundant, you know that you’re bound to face septic trouble soon. When septic sludge is excessive, the effluent carries it into the drain field. The septic system doesn’t fail if your tank is overflowing with wastewater and septic sludge; it fails because the drain field is heavily clogged. This tends to happen when the septic sludge is not controlled.
You can compare it to a pot of pasta cooking over a stove. When the pasta boils over, what happens to the burner? Usually, when the pasta overflows, the burner get wet and goes out. As a result, the whole process stops. You are left with an overflowed pot of pasta al dente and an unlit burner. When the septic tank overflows with septic sludge, the sludge reaches the drain field and clogs it. The entire septic system stops. In short, it is paramount to make sure that the septic sludge is at normal levels at all times.
There are a plethora of septic additives designed to reduce the volume of sludge before it gets ferried to the drain field. Septic sludge additives can be either organic or Inorganic (living or chemical). Inorganics are classified as substances that harm the system because they kill off the natural bacteria and damage the system’s components. They are not recommended to be used on your septic tank but are still incorporated in some septic treatments.
Biological or organic septic sludge treatments are much less harmful and safer than the chemicals because these use cultured and non-pathogenic bacteria and enzymes. They are great at decomposing the solid waste materials like septic sludge and floating scum at an increased rate and eliminate the disarming septic odors as well. They are also safe for the environment because, unlike the septic sludge chemicals, they don’t discharge harmful pollutants that contaminate water systems.
Inorganic treatments for septic sludge and other buildups can involve harsh chemicals such as strong acids, strong bases, and caustic oxidizers. If your system requires harsh treatment prior to the use of biological treatments, it’s best to clarify that with your septic expert and have him administer what’s necessary. Proper protection is required when handling such aggressive chemicals. If you’re not careful, you may have to pay for hospital bills as well.
You could also keep the septic sludge at normal levels by pumping the tank every three to five years. Pumping out your septic tank is part of the basic maintenance routine for your septic system. Even if you’re not comfortable in using septic sludge additives, pump outs can regulate the sludge levels. Of course, you also have to be mindful of what you’re going to put into your septic system. Doing so will assure you that your septic system is A ok.
Proper research and advice can help you ascertain which additives, if any will be beneficial to you. Some are only effective against certain kinds of blockages, others are dangerous emergency measures that are only used to “defibrillate” a critical system, while still more are an effective maintenance regimen.
