When you hear the word bacteria, the first thing that might come to mind is something that can make you sick or that causes things to be dirty. While generally, humans are susceptible to different types of bacteria and they can certainly make you ill, in other instances, bacteria can be incredibly beneficial as part of the greater ecosystem. One such instance is with septic tank cleaning, where bacteria serve an important function in maintaining a healthy system at your home.
- What Do Bacteria Do? Bacteria in your septic system are mostly naturally-occurring, and are an essential part of the septic tank cleaning process. As waste separates inside your septic tank, bacteria begin to digest solid materials that have settled at the bottom, transforming them into liquids and gas. This helps your septic tank transport remaining gray water out of your septic tank and into your drain field for further processing.
- Does Anything Affect Them Negatively? Unfortunately, the things we flush down our plumbing system at home can most certainly have a negative effect on the bacteria in your septic system. For example, chemical cleaners, bleach, and antibiotic drugs can kill good bacteria and affect the pH balance inside your septic tank. The good news is that the good bacteria can often reproduce and regenerate over the course of several hours, making it feasible to restore a healthy septic tank again.
- How Can I Know if the Bacteria Levels are Good? The best way to ensure that your septic tank is operating efficiently and has the right number of bacteria is to schedule routine septic tank cleaning with us at William Dustin Septic. We are equipped to provide thorough inspection and cleaning services, and we will make sure that your septic tank is in great working order. Contact us today to learn more!