How To Break Down Septic Tank Solids Quickly?

Are you tired of dealing with the unpleasant odors and backups caused by septic tank problems? 

We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with clogs and waste buildup in your septic tank, so we’ve developed these easy tips to help you maintain it. Whether you are searching for what to put in a septic tank to break down solids or the best septic tank sludge dissolver, this guide has you covered.

Types Of Septic Tank Solids

Before we get into the solutions, let’s first understand what solids can accumulate in your septic tank. 

• Floating Solids: These lightweight particles float on top of the liquid in your tank. They can include oils, fats, and greases from cooking and personal care products. 

• Settling Solids: Heavier particles that settle at the bottom of your tank, like sludge and sediment. These are the major culprits for clogs and backups, and often require a septic tank sludge removal treatment.

• Suspended Solids: Particles that remain suspended in the liquid in your tank, including food scraps, paper products, and other organic materials.

💡 Note: Over time, these solids can accumulate and require mechanical removal via pumping by professionals every 3–5 years, depending on tank usage and household size.

What Breaks Down Tank Septic Solids? (Natural, DIY & Chemical Additives)

Now that you know what kinds of solids can build up in your septic tank, let’s talk about what breaks down septic waste. We will also cover the natural and chemical additives that can help prevent or break down these solids.

Natural Additives

Anaerobic digestion is the natural process in which bacteria and enzymes break down waste materials into simpler, more stable components. 

As the organic solids settle to the bottom of the tank, bacteria break them down and convert them into gases like methane and carbon dioxide.

Settling and layering are other natural processes when heavy solids sink to the bottom and form a layer of sludge, while lighter materials, such as fats and oils, float to the top and form a scum layer. This separation allows for better digestion of waste materials and helps naturally reduce the sludge in the septic tank.

One way to promote these natural processes is by adding natural septic tank additives to maintain a balanced ecosystem and promote efficient solid breakdown.

• Bacteria and Enzymes: These are the major components of a healthy septic tank. They work together to break down organic materials and keep your system running smoothly. You can find these septic treatment products in stores or try DIY methods using household items like yogurt, yeast, or compost as a homemade septic tank treatment.

  
  

• Active Yeast: Add ¼ to ½ cups of active dry yeast to your toilet bowl and flush it. This will introduce helpful bacteria to your system. To let the yeast work effectively, avoid using water-intensive appliances immediately afterward.

  
  

• Rotten Tomatoes: Cut 3-4 rotten tomatoes into chunks and run them through the garbage disposal. Run water to prevent clogs. Repeat this process every 2–4 months to encourage bacterial growth and help remove sludge from the septic tank naturally.

  
  

• Vinegar: Adding vinegar to your septic tank helps maintain a balanced pH level, which is essential for bacteria and enzyme growth. It also helps dissolve any buildup on the tank's walls and works as an effective natural septic tank cleaner.

  
  

• Epsom Salt: This natural salt not only helps remove odors but also aids in breaking down solid waste in your septic tank. It is safe for the environment, and you can easily find Epsom salt septic tank treatments at your local grocery store. It also works as a gentle drain field cleaner.

  
  

• Baking Soda: Like vinegar, baking soda helps balance the pH level in your septic tank. It also acts as a natural deodorizer, keeping your system smelling fresh.

One way to facilitate these natural processes is by adding the best septic tank sludge dissolver to maintain a balanced ecosystem and encourage efficient solid breakdown. These home remedies for a full septic tank can significantly help to reduce sludge in a septic tank over time.

Chemical Additives

Chemical additives can also break down septic tank solids, but you should always use them cautiously as they might harm the beneficial bacteria in your tank. 

• Chlorine Bleach: While this may seem like a convenient option, using chlorine bleach as an additive can harm the bacterial balance in your septic tank and cause damage to the pipes and system components. It is best to avoid using chlorine bleach altogether if possible.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: This is not commonly recommended anymore as it can harm the soil and the drain field if overused. While it breaks down into water and oxygen, it can still pose risks to the septic environment.

• Sulfuric Acid: Sulfuric acid clears clogs and restores the flow in septic tanks.  While it may be effective in removing blockages, it also kills off the beneficial bacteria in your tank that are essential for breaking down waste. 

Also Read: How to Switch from Septic to Sewer

Do’s And Don’ts: What Not To Put In Your Septic Tank

As a responsible septic tank owner, it is crucial to understand what items should not go into your system. 

Below are some common and harmful things you should always keep out of your septic tank.

• Chemical Cleaning Products: Harsh chemicals in detergents, bleaches, and other household cleaners can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank. 

• Medications: Flushing medications down the toilet may seem easy, but it can adversely affect your septic tank. You may also use toilet rentals to avoid any problems.

• Sanitary Products: Feminine hygiene products do not break down easily in a septic tank. They can also cause blockages and clogs, leading to costly repairs. 

• Cat Litter: Cat litter may seem harmless, but the clay particles can quickly build up in your septic system and cause clogs.

• Paints and Solvents: Hazardous materials can disrupt the bacterial balance in your septic tank, leading to potential malfunctions. Disposing of these materials properly at your local hazardous waste facility is important.

• Grease and Oils: You should never pour cooking oils and grease down the drain, as they can solidify in your septic system and cause blockages. Instead, dispose of them in a sealed container in the trash.

• Paper Products: Paper towels, napkins, and facial tissues may seem harmless, but they do not break down easily in a septic tank. They can also clog pipes and cause backups.

• Food Scraps: While small amounts of food particles from dishwashing are okay for your septic system, large amounts of food waste can disrupt the natural bacteria that are toxic to the beneficial bacteria in your septic tank that break down waste.

• Disposable Wipes: Disposable wipes, even if labeled as "flushable," do not break down quickly and can cause severe blockages in your septic tank.

• Coffee Grounds and Eggshells: These items may seem harmless, but they do not break down easily and can cause clogs in your septic system.

⚠️ Avoid inorganic acids and harsh chemical drain cleaners as they can corrode pipes and disrupt the ecosystem inside your tank.

Conclusion

Maintaining a healthy septic tank is crucial for your home’s wastewater management system to function correctly.

While septic additives may seem like a simple solution to breaking down solids quickly, it is vital to use them properly and avoid harmful substances that can disrupt the balance of bacteria in your tank.

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can help prolong the life of your septic tank and avoid costly repairs or replacements. 

With Barnes Sewer & Septic, you have access to professionals who understand the ins and outs of septic tank maintenance.

We’re here to provide solutions tailored to your needs, keeping your tank running smoothly and efficiently. Don’t let septic tank problems disrupt your day-to-day life. Give your septic system the care it deserves. 

Contact us today at (765) 584-7295 for a quote. Let’s work together to keep your home environment healthy and trouble-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What can I put in my septic tank to break down solids?

The best natural options include active yeast (¼ to ½ cup monthly), bacterial enzyme additives, rotten tomatoes every 2-4 months, and Epsom salt treatments.

These homemade septic tank treatment methods promote healthy bacterial growth without harming your system's natural balance.

Is my septic tank full or clogged?

Signs of a full septic tank include slow drains, gurgling sounds, sewage backups, and foul odors around the tank area.

A clogged system shows similar symptoms but may also include water pooling around the drain field. Professional inspection can determine whether you need pumping or clog removal.

How to remove sludge from a septic tank naturally?

Use natural bacterial additives like active yeast, enzyme treatments, and maintain proper pH with vinegar and baking soda.

Professional septic tank sludge removal should be done every 3-5 years, but these natural methods help reduce buildup between pumpings.