Have you ever wondered what makes your Septic System work or what makes up your Septic System?

Did you know that Septic Systems can damage the environment if they are not maintained?

Well, the purpose of this article is to briefly explain the differences between a healthy Septic System and a sick one, and how to revitalise a sick Septic System.

Your Septic system is a miniature sewerage treatment plant, which is usually made up of one or two concrete tanks, and leach drains as per the diagram.

In early days the collection tanks remained open to the atmosphere to allow the naturally occurring Aerobic Bacteria to break down the solid materials into a liquid state, and to allow for natural evaporation.

Due to health concerns associated with exposed sewerage, a cap was placed over the tanks.  In later years the tanks were sealed and a leach drain was added. This allows the liquid effluent to seep out of the leach drains, to be dispersed by the surrounding soil.  The majority of modern Septic Systems have been covered by soil, plants, garden beds etc. - for aesthetic reasons only.

By sealing the septic tanks, very little (if any) air can penetrate into the tanks.  This reduces odours, and health risks, but unfortunately inhibits the growth of the Aerobic Bacteria which help to break down the solids.

As a consequence, the solids begin to fill your Septic tanks preventing the liquids from flowing into the next tank.

In addition to this, the development of laundry cleaning products also allow a slimy build up of scum to develop which will eventually block your leach drains.

This means your entire System may produce unwanted smells, health hazards and waste waters may backup into your household drains.

Until recently, the only way to cure this has been to have the tanks emptied and leach drains cleaned by professionals.

Winter time is a test for your Septic System’s internal integrity.  You see, Aerobic Bacteria need air to survive –

No air and they die!

For this reason, Aerobic Bacteria must be reintroduced to your Septic System on a frequent basis in order for the biological environment inside your septic system to remain healthy.

So just how can you do wonders for your Septic System with a little Bug?

Well, there is another family of bacteria that does not need air to survive.  In fact they do not particularly like air! Therefore they can survive in very formidable environments.

They are known as the family of Anaerobic Bacteria.

For the reasons previously mentioned, Anaerobic Bacteria are ideally suited for the use in Septic Tanks where they will flow

through the entire system, breaking down solids, cleaning leach drains and dissolving the grease in the surrounding soil.

This family of Anaerobic “Bugs” can revitalise a sick  Septic System, 

and with an Annual Treatment drastically reduces the need for expensive emptying of the tanks.

Anaerobic Bacteria are extremely efficient and only need to be re-introduced into your septic system once a year.

All Septic Systems require a healthy internal biological process in order to remain effective and efficient. 

How To Do Wonders With A Little Bug!

Now there is a new alternative, called Bacti-Clear PTP.  This Anaerobic product has been subjected to field trials over the past five years with outstanding results.

During these trials Bacti-Clear PTP has revitalised Septic Systems which were otherwise in need of some extensive and very expensive repairs.