- Providing nutrients for the natural bacteria to grow and maintain an effective population throughout the system.
- SeptoBac bacteria are specially bred to break down difficult-to-degrade waste.
- SeptoBac bacteria are more resistant to chemicals that can kill regular bacteria.
- Odours may be noticeable.
- A black-grey odorous liquid may accumulate at the soil surface.
- Liquid drains slower than normal or backs up.
- Grass over the system appears greener and soggy or may be spongy to walk on.
- The water level in the septic tank is higher than the outlet pipe.
SeptoBac septic tank treatment helps in the natural process by:
For regular maintenance use 1 envelope per week.
Increase treatment to 2 pouches of SeptoBac every other day for 2 weeks. Then return to the maintenance treatment of one SeptoBac pouch per week.
SeptoBac products are safe for all septic systems and holding tanks including boats, RV’s, composts, cesspools, chemical toilets and outside toilets.
SeptoBac powder is more concentrated since it is used only once each week. It comes in pouches which are emptied through your toilet bowl into your septic system. SeptoBac 2in1 liquid is a combination septic tank treatment and bowl cleaner. It comes in a bottle format and is automatically dispensed each time your toilet is flushed. It includes detergents to help keep your toilet bowl clean.
Contact a poison control center or physician (a veterinarian for pets) immediately. Although both products are considered non-toxic, large amounts may cause gastro-intestinal upset and stomach pain.
Standard shelf life for both SeptoBac powder and SeptoBac liquid is 2 years; after that, the products may decrease in effectiveness over time.
Dispose of according to federal, provincial, or local regulations. SeptoBac is non-toxic.
Most tanks are made from pre-cast concrete. However, plastic, steel or fiberglass is sometimes used.
Have the tank inspected and pumped if needed. The company inspecting the tank should be able to tell you its size, age and condition.
Most experts recommend pumping every 2 – 5 years. This will depend on the number of people in the household, the volume of wastewater that enters the tank, the amount of solids in the wastewater, and the size or volume of the tank.
The waste that doesn’t decompose through anaerobic digestion will eventually build up and fill the tank. Some of this waste that hasn’t decomposed can flow directly to the drainage field. If this happens, the pipes in the drainfield can clog, requiring expensive repairs.
A truck will come to your property equipped with a large vacuum. The sludge is then pumped out of the tank by the vacuum and hauled away to be properly disposed of.
The best time of year to pump the tank is summer to early fall because the ground is not frozen. This allows for easier access to the tank. Also the micro-organisms in the tank will re-establish themselves before it gets too cold.
There a number of signs indicating a problem with your system:
The septic tank uses anaerobic bacteria to decompose and ferment the wastewater, sludge and effluent matter. Although this is a natural process, toxic gases such as carbon dioxide and methane are produced and released to the environment.
If your system is malfunctioning, call a qualified, licensed professional immediately to avoid health hazards to you, your family and the environment.
We always recommend that you call a licensed professional. They have special equipment and gear that allows for dealing with the toxic and deadly gases. Anyone exposed can be overcome by these gases which can prove to be fatal.
To facilitate cleaning and inspection of the septic tank, install risers from the access and inspection ports to the surface. Ensure you mark the location of your septic tank to easily locate it for future pumping.
As a general rule, the well should measure at least 100 feet from your or your neighbour’s well. If you have a pond or river on your property, the well should also be at least 100 feet away.
The solid waste that enters the system and settles at the bottom of the tank naturally contains bacteria which multiply and break down the waste and process it for disposal. The liquid that is left behind is called effluent. The effluent is what flows through to the leaching bed or drain field.
Yes. Septic systems can freeze in periods of extremely cold temperature when there is little snow cover on the ground. If this happens you should call a qualified professional to defrost pipes. Never add antifreeze or salt to the tank or try to run water continuously to defrost the system.
Adequate insulation is very important. In extreme cold temperatures, the ground above the system can be covered with mulch (including leaves, straw and hay). Alternatively, you can let the grass grow long in the fall; this will provide added insulation. Another option includes insulating the pipe from the house to the septic tank and adding Styrofoam sheets on top of the tank with increased soil cover over the entire system.
Look for liquid detergents or concentrated detergents that don’t contain phosphates in them. Avoid antibacterial soaps and cleansers since they will kill off the bacteria within your septic system. Remember it is important to keep an adequate level of bacteria to ensure effective operation of your septic system.
Trees and shrubs should be avoided due to potential damage from aggressive roots. Fruits and vegetables should also be avoided since the garden soil and/or the fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with pathogens if the system is not working properly. Meadow grasses, turf grasses, and small shallow-rooted ornamental grasses and plants are a good suggestion for covering your drain field or leaching bed; they can look nice and require little maintenance. Keep in mind not to overload your drain field with too much watering.