Adding bacteria to the septic tank

How does one know if its suitable and appropriate to use additive type bacteria to the septic tank via the drain system from the house?

I "started" the septic bacteria with 2 large cans of yeast per recommendation by the septic tank/leach field system installer. The septic tank is a 3 stage/ 1500 gallon unit pumping into an above ground leach field, which is almost level with the septic tank as all is progressively downhill incline from the house, septic tank, leach field. Other than water, and human waste, little toilet paper, some minor food waste is the only other waste product involved. I am the only person involved with the human waste component, only resident of the home. So far, the house and waste system is 4 years old. No apparent or potential problems.

I only see the fear component in selling this additive bacteria, no hard facts to designate if appropriate for use. How does one make that determination?

Reply to
Dioclese
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You being the only one using a 1500 gal. system, it will be hard to overload it, unless... :) My second thought, you're starving the yeast. I might add a tablespoon once a month.

Reply to
Rick Samuel

on 4/10/2009 7:11 PM (ET) Dioclese wrote the following:

Using additives to a septic tank is a waste of money. Google it (ignore septic cleaning company recommendations).

Reply to
willshak

Just as I thought, fear tactics with no real basis on fact. Thanks.

Reply to
Dioclese

Septic is 3 stage/500 gallons per stage. Liquid tank, solids tank, the last is sort of a reservoir. When the 3rd stage is sufficiently full, it pumps to the leach field. The 1st and 2nd tanks are the working part of it, so its really equivalent to a 1000 gallon conventional unit.

I even rinse out all cans I open over the sink. Food waste is distributed between my 2 dogs, the sink, and the side of the yard adjacent to the kitchen (vegetable waste only here). I do most of my own cooking from scratch.

The leach field didn't seem to be responding to feed from the septic the 1st year at all. Since then, it looks like a golf putting green in late spring and most of summer.

My higher concern is water usage adequacy to support the 3rd stage tank's operation. Don't want that pump running dry, even for a few seconds. Every

2 weeks I take a bath vs. showering, wash clothes, wash dishes, and flush the commode a few extra times all within a few hours. Normally, its just shower water and maybe 3 times commode use in a given day, with a can or two rinsing in the kitchen sink, and hand washing some dishes.

I ran across one table somewhere on the internet regarding septic tank flushing. Given the size of my septic, size of my home, and amount of occupants, it said every 9 years.

Reply to
Dioclese

There is no need to add any additives of any sort to your septic system all your system needs to work is the bacteria from your gut. If you feel that your system is getting sluggish(which it isn't) invite 6 friends over for pizza and beer that will certainly do it (refresh it ) As 4 how often it should be pumped according to the standard practice manual of British Columbia with just u in the house and a 3 chamber tank with a working volume of 1500 gals it should be pumped the next time the starship Enterprise returns to popularity! As 4 the pump running "dry" it should have been designed so that after a dosing volume there should still be a "cooling zone" left to keep the pump cool. These additives are a ruse, there is 20 trillion bacteria in a shotglass of fecal matter, so Dave don't sweat it, it will be working when you are not.Dave Jeeves Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (R.O.W.P.)

Reply to
d.a.jeeves

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