Here is why you may need a septic tank sludge dissolver. We’ll also discuss common brands to buy, including alternate ways to care for your septic system without additives.
The treatment process immediately kicks in whenever wastewater enters a septic tank through the inlet drain pipe. If you’ve used septic systems for a considerable time, you may have known that there’s always a sludge level resting at the bottom of your tank.
Such sludge levels get cleared out when they become much or accumulate with constant use. Constant innovations have led to the development of septic system-related products that help with waste breakdown.
A septic tank sludge dissolver is one of such products.
If you’re hearing about this product for the first time, we’re glad to show you just how it works. Plus, you’ll learn about how best to put this product to good use.
Why You Need A Septic Tank Sludge Dissolver
Wastewater treatment pretty much follows the same process.
Understanding the concept of sludge buildup in your tank is necessary for understanding how a septic tank sludge dissolver works. Your septic tank is a safe holding facility for wastewater.
The breakdown process of waste starts from this septic system component.
While in the tank, such waste gets separated into three main layers; the scum, usually found at the top, effluent, and sludge which lies at the bottom of the tank.
Only the effluent layer needs to be further treated outside the tank of these three layers. The leach field is where this happens. Effluent or wastewater gets carried to the leach field via the septic drain pipe that exits the tank.
As long as the septic system remains in use, the scum, effluent, and sludge layers will always be present. The longer it’s left unattended, the thicker the sludge layer.
The sludge layer needs to be cleared when it gets too thick as it occupies a significant volume of your tank. This reduces available space for more waste coming in.
True to its name, the septic tank sludge dissolver plays a crucial role in dissolving the sludge. So, instead of sludge accumulating, it’s melted and reduced. This leads to less sludge and more effluent.
Is it Necessary?
You must well maintain every septic system.
Maintenance, in this case, refers to evacuating the contents when the tank gets full. The type of approach adopted rests solely on the condition of your tank.
In a situation where sludge levels are high, septic tank cleaning will be necessary. Cleaning a septic tank includes the removal of both sludge and wastewater.
In cases where sludge gets too thick due to negligence, such sludge will have to be broken up before pumping.
When sludge levels are low, there’ll be no need for septic tank cleaning. In such cases, pumping would suffice. Ideally, a septic tank should be pumped or cleaned every 3 to 5 years.
During this time, the tank and system are inspected to determine the action (whether to pump or clean) to take.
You can use a septic tank sludge dissolver for tanks that haven’t been cleared of sludge for long periods. Such tanks are overloaded with sludge which may affect the smooth running of the tank if something fast isn’t done about it.
However, using a septic tank sludge dissolver doesn’t guarantee that the sludge levels in your tank will be gone. This product should be used to help reduce sludge and not as a standalone treatment.
Septic Tank Sludge Dissolver Products
These products are biological additives containing bacteria and enzymes. When applied into a septic tank, these help break down sludge levels, which release water and gases.
There are tons of such products for purchase. You only need to find your pick and apply as advised or directed.
Examples of these include Super Pack Bacteria, Roto-Rooter Treatment for Septic Tanks & Cesspools, Roebic K-37Septic Tank Treatment, Sea-Zyme Septic Tank Digester, and Septonic Septic Tank Additive.
Other products include Instant Power Septic Shock, L.E.A.D Enzyme Digestant, Break-Thru Septic Tank & Cesspool Maintenance, Septic Helper 2000, and Shactivate Sewage Digester.
Other Approaches Besides The Use Of Sludge Dissolver
Although septic tank additives perform a great job of keeping your septic tank in good condition, these aren’t indispensable.
In other words, you can do without these products by simply keeping a sound maintenance schedule.
Your actions over time will determine the condition of your septic tank and system. This essentially has to do with maintenance practices. There are several actions that, when carried out properly, guarantee your system’s health.
These include using less water, avoiding toxic chemicals and non-biodegradable solids, and excluding fats and grease.
Others include limiting the frequency of garbage disposal use, spacing out your laundry over the week, and diverting runoff water.
All of these combine to create an ideal situation and lesser sludge buildup.
With proper maintenance, there’ll be no need to use additives such as septic tank sludge dissolvers.
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Using Less Water
Excess water getting into your septic tank ends up affecting its functioning. This overloads the system resulting in additional issues you don’t want to deal with.
Using less water will involve fixing leaks and installing water-efficient toilets, faucets & showerheads. By running your laundry and dishwashing machines at full loads, more water is conserved as waste is eliminated.
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Keeping Out Toxic Chemicals
Toxic chemicals end up in septic tanks through cleaners containing chemicals harmful to bacteria. As these organisms get killed, there are fewer bacteria to break down sludge.
This leads to a steady buildup.
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Keeping Out Non-Biodegradable Solids
All sorts of non-biodegradable materials find their way into septic tanks.
They include cigarette butts, medications, plastics, sanitary products, etc. These shouldn’t be found in your tank as they cause problems.
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Excluding Fats & Grease
Grease and fats are enemies of your septic system and should be treated as such. These mostly find their way into your septic tank through kitchen drains.
As such, you’ll need to be more vigilant over what gets poured down the drains.
Septic tank sludge dissolver products are great for treating excess sludge. However, these shouldn’t replace your sole responsibility to care for your tank and system.
To help with that, we’ve provided simple tasks that contribute to boosting your septic tank health.