Enzyme septic

Types of enzyme septics

An enzyme septic is a tank that holds human waste. It is dug underground and connected to the house's plumbing. Anything that goes down the toilet flows into this tank. Over time, bacteria break down this waste into sludge at the bottom of the tank. The tank needs to be pumped out periodically to remove the sludge buildup.

There are two main types of septic systems used:

• Conventional septic systems use a tank to hold waste and a drain field to dispose of treated water. Waste flows into the tank, where solids settle and bacteria break down them. The remaining liquid waste, now partially treated, gets pumped out by a pump or flows by gravity into pipes buried underground in the drain field. Here, it percolates through gravel and soil to be further treated before contaminating local groundwater.
• Septic system with drain fields has additional drain fields that provide more treatment before contaminating groundwater. It includes a series of trenches or pits dug near the septic tank.
• Septic systems with aerobic treatment units use oxygen to help bacteria break down waste more quickly. These systems have a tank like a conventional septic system, but they also include an aerobic treatment unit that uses a pump to add oxygen to the waste. Aerobic bacteria break down solids faster than anaerobic bacteria in conventional systems.
• Septic systems with effluent filters have a filter located at the outlet of the septic tank. This filters solid material before it leaves the tank and enters the drain field or disposal area. As effluent (partially treated waste water) flows out of the tank, it passes through the filter, which traps solids and prevents them from clogging the drain field pipes or disposal area.
• Septic systems with pumps use a pump to move partially treated waste water from the septic tank to the drain field or disposal area. These systems are helpful when the drain field is at a higher elevation than the septic tank, making gravity drainage impossible. The pump automatically activates when the septic tank fills with waste water.

How to choose enzyme septics

When buying enzymes for a septic tank, it's important to consider the factors below to get the best product. Here are the factors to consider when buying.

• Compatibility with Tank

  Every septic tank is different. Some are large, while others are small. Some are plastic, and others are concrete. The tank's material also has a barrier that prevents certain chemicals from passing through. If a chemical enzyme cannot get through the barrier, it won't work inside the tank. It is vital to select an enzyme compatible with the size and material of the tank.

• Type of Waste

  The enzymes in the septic tank break down solid waste. But some wastes, like fats, grease, and oil, are hard to break down. They need special enzymes to break them down. If the home produces a lot of grease and oil due to cooking, it needs an enzyme that can break these down.

• Regular Maintenance

  How often does the user pump the septic tank? In areas with strict septic rules, the tank must be pumped every 2 to 3 years. In places without strict rules, the tank should be checked every 3 to 5 years. If the tank is pumped every year, it needs a powerful enzyme. Users can buy a strong enzyme with bacteria or a lesser one. A pumped tank may only need simple enzymes to work on the waste and drain it.

• Reviews

  Check the reviews of the enzyme product before buying it. Find out what former users say about it. Read the positive and negative comments to get an idea of the product's quality. Always buy a product with many positive reviews.

• Cost

  Consider the cost of the enzyme product. There are many enzyme products on the market. They come in different types, sizes, and costs. Always select a product that fits the user's budget. However, avoid cheap products. They may be cheap because they are not effective.

How to use and product safety

These guidelines ensure that the product works well and the septic tank is safe. Here are some simple steps to follow:

• Prepare the area

  Locate the septic tank access cover. Wear gloves to protect hands from bacteria. Dig up any sod or soil covering the access panel if it is buried.

• Add the enzyme product

  Pour the recommended amount of enzymes into the toilet bowl. Alternatively, pour the enzymes directly over the access cover opening. Do not flush the toilet if the enzymes were added to the toilet bowl.

• Close access cover and wash hands

  Replace the access cover securely to keep odors contained. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.

It is important to follow these tips when using enzyme septic solutions. Avoid pouring harsh cleaners, chemicals, or medications down drains, as they can kill helpful bacteria. Use baking soda, vinegar, or mild cleaners instead.

Limit garbage disposal usage, as food scraps create sludge. Only flush human waste and toilet paper - other items may clog the system. Be cautious when using enzyme products. Do not mix different brands, as they may have chemicals that react with each other. Always read product labels carefully.

Do not overuse enzymes, as too many bacteria can build up. Watch for signs of problems like slow drains, odors, or backups. These could mean the tank needs pumping, even if enzymes are used. Following these guidelines helps enzymes break down waste safely.

Functions, features, and design of enzyme septics

Function

Below are some of the essential functions of enzymes in a septic tank:

• Organic Material Breakdown: Enzymes break down solid organic materials from the household into liquid form. They digest solids like feces, toilet paper, and grease, significantly reducing the sludge buildup in the tank.
• Odor Control: The accelerated breakdown of waste by enzymes reduces the production of odorous gases like hydrogen sulfide. This action helps maintain a more pleasant environment around the septic tank.
• Nutrient Recycling: Enzymes transform undigested food particles and fecal matter into nutrient-rich compost, which can be beneficial if the septic tank effluent is used to fertilize land.

Feature

• Good Temperature Range: Septic tank enzymes perform well within the normal temperature range of septic tanks, usually 35 to 37 degrees Celsius, and maintain their efficiency in both hot and cold conditions.
• Active Broad-Spectrum Enzymes: This feature entails many enzymes, including cellulase, lipase, protease, amylase, and others that digest various organic matters, ensuring all waste is effectively broken down.
• Non-Chemical Composition: Enzyme supplements are made from natural ingredients and contain no harsh chemicals that could damage the tank or disrupt the naturally occurring bacteria.
• Regular Dosage Requirement: For optimal result, regular dosing of the enzyme supplement is required. The recommended frequency and amount are usually stated on the product label.

Design

• Tablet Form: These are enzyme supplements in a tablet form that can easily be dropped into toilets or drains. They dissolve slowly and release enzymes over time.
• Powdered Form: These are enzyme supplements in a powdered form that can be sprinkled in toilets, sinks, or directly into the septic tank. They dissolve in water and release enzymes.
• Liquid Form: These are enzyme supplements in a liquid form that can be poured into toilets, sinks, or directly into the septic tank. They contain a high concentration of enzymes and are easily distributed in water.

Q&A

Q1: Are enzymes bad for septic systems?

A1: It's a myth that enzyme treatments are bad for septic systems. In fact, enzymes are a natural way to break down waste in the system. One can think of waste in a septic system as a pyramid. The base of the pyramid is the sludge that settles at the bottom. This sludge needs to be broken down so it doesn't pile up over time. Enzymes help reduce this waste by breaking it down into harmless components that can exit the system safely. So, enzymes are actually good for septic systems.

Q2: How long does it take for enzyme treatment to work on a septic system?

A2: The time it takes for an enzyme treatment to work on a septic system can vary. One may notice improvements within a few weeks of regular use of the enzyme product. However, the full benefits of the treatment may take longer to see, possibly up to a few months. Factors like the amount of waste in the tank, the system's condition, and how often one uses the enzymes can affect the timing. The key is consistent use of the enzyme product so it can break down the waste over time.

Q3: Should I use more enzymes if I have a larger septic tank?

A3: The amount of enzyme product one needs depends on the size of the septic tank and the amount of waste it has to process. Larger tanks will generally require a higher dosage of enzymes, as there is more waste that needs to be broken down. However, the exact amount can vary based on how well the system is already functioning. A good rule is to start with the dosage recommended on the product label and adjust from there if needed. One may need to use more or less depending on the tank's size and how often it gets pumped.

Q4: How do I know if the enzyme treatment is working?

A4: There are several signs that the enzyme treatment is working well in the septic system. One may notice a reduction in odors coming from drains or the septic tank. This means waste buildup is decreasing. Another positive change is improved drainage. If sinks, tubs, or toilets are draining slowly, it may indicate waste breakdown is lagging. A third indicator is less frequent tank pumping. If the tank needs to be pumped out less often, it shows sludge buildup is under control. These signs mean the enzymes are effectively breaking down waste in the system.