All About Septic System Enzymes

All About Septic System Enzymes

Your home's septic system is an intricate part of wastewater management that should never be taken for granted. While it may be easy to take for granted until something goes amiss, proactive maintenance such as septic tank pumping could save headaches and potentially costly repairs in the future. One topic frequently raised regarding the care of this system involves enzymes; why are they there, and do we need them? Metro Septic Pumping provides a greater understanding of these questions.  

Septic System Operations

Before diving deeper into enzymes, one must gain an in-depth knowledge of how septic systems operate. Most homes without access to municipal sewer services use one; it essentially functions like an on-site wastewater treatment plant involving wastewater collection, separation of solids from liquids, and percolation back into the earth as treated water percolates back through and back out again.

Maintaining your septic system properly is of utmost importance, with daily tasks like pumping helping ensure solid wastes don't build up excessively and clog the system when your tank overflows or malfunctions. Professional assistance may need to be sought for septic tank repair or installation of new tanks.

Enzymes in Septic Systems

At the core of any functional septic system lies its biological process. Waste entering the system is broken down by billions of microorganisms, such as bacteria, that produce enzymes - proteins that speed chemical reactions - as part of this biological breakdown. When applied within a septic system context, enzymes break down waste material such as fats, oils, grease proteins, and organic matter into digestible forms for disposal by your local landfill site.

Imagine you just finished enjoying an exquisite feast. Your dishes are now covered with grease and leftover food particles - without dish soap - effectively acting like enzymes - this task would prove nearly impossible to tackle without some help; similarly, without enzymes in place within your septic system, waste-collection would take much longer and cost significantly more to complete.

Natural Versus Supplemental Enzymes 

Septic systems contain bacteria that generate enzymes for breaking down waste products such as human waste or any organic materials entering their system. These natural enzymes work hand in hand with any added synthetic enzymes for more effective waste processing.

However, some homeowners believe in supplementing the system with extra enzymes in the form of additives to increase its efficiency. Their purpose is restocking or augmenting bacteria levels following events like pumping their tank, which could remove significant portions of active bacteria from circulation.

Though many swear by enzyme additives' efficacy, it's wise to approach their effectiveness cautiously. According to experts, an optimally functioning septic system would contain adequate bacteria production of enzymes without needing additives as a backup; over-reliance can give homeowners a false sense of security, causing them to neglect other essential maintenance tasks.

Select the Appropriate Enzyme Product

When choosing enzyme additives for use in your system, it is vital that you select an appropriate product. Not all enzyme products contain equal chemicals and could pose potential threats to both the environment and septic tank itself; to make the best choice possible, always consult a reliable septic company, as they will offer advice about which are ideal and provide potential risks that you should know about.

Septic System Care Beyond Enzymes

While enzymes play an essential part in the septic process, proper care of a successful septic system requires much more than enzymes alone. Regular pumping will remove solid wastes from your tank to avoid system clogs; make note of signs that might indicate you need repair, such as slow drains, unpleasant odors, or wet patches in your yard that indicate repair might be needed as soon as possible.

When building or upgrading a new home or replacing existing systems, ensure that a reputable septic company handles septic tank installation and regular maintenance. Proper setup can increase lifespan, while regular checkups ensure optimal service from this important part of lifecycle management.

Conclusion 

Enzymes play an essential part in any septic system's biological cycle. Enzymes help your system run more smoothly by breaking down waste efficiently and more thoroughly than expected. But their health shouldn't rely solely on enzymes. Regular maintenance, such as pumping out your tank or timely repairs, is key for extending its longevity and efficiency by understanding its role and including them judiciously in your routine care schedule for optimal longevity and efficiency of your septic system. Always consult an experienced septic company like Metro Septic Pumping for advice or services from professional septic service companies for assistance when necessary.