What is septic tank bacteria?

The best biological products for the cesspool

Bacteria for a septic tank are special living microorganisms that naturally process the contents of an autonomous sewage system. The bacterial-enzymatic method of processing sewage outlets has been used abroad for more than half a century, in our country, this method has been used for about a decade. The effect of a biological agent for septic tanks is that the contents of the cesspools of the toilets are a breeding ground for bacteria. Cleaning takes place as follows.

Bacteria placed in a septic tank break down the organic components of wastewater into water, minerals, and carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide evaporates, and treated wastewater is absorbed into the soil – in open pits.

A small amount of mineral sediment may form at the bottom, which, under certain conditions, is used to fertilize the soil.

If a closed-type septic tank cleaning agent was used, the purified water is pumped out using a drainage pump, then it goes for additional treatment to filtration wells and after that, it is drained into the ground.

The use of living bacteria for septic tanks during cleaning has significant advantages that owners of private houses pay attention to.

Absolute safety for the environment and human health.

After cleaning the sewage system with the help of live bacteria for septic tanks and cesspools, in some cases, filtered wastewater can be watered into the garden, and the soil can be fertilized with mineral deposits.

They have a disinfectant effect, destroying pathogenic microbes. Cleaning takes place quickly, the unpleasant odor disappears after a few hours.

Unlike chemicals, they do not have a destructive effect on the walls of septic tanks – concrete, plastic.

They have a wide range of applications – from cesspools to industrial treatment facilities.

The use of biological products will reduce the cost of calling the sewers. The cost of these effective septic tank treatments is incomparable to the benefits of living bacteria.

In order for the bacteria to work, several conditions must be observed: the temperature range of action is from 3 to 40⁰C (with other indicators, the microorganisms die), an abundant nutrient medium (with rare use of a septic tank, the drug must be added), a moist environment (for the effective use of a biological agent for summer cottages) septic tanks need the liquid to cover the bottom by at least 3 cm).

Varieties of live bacteria for septic tanks

Depending on the conditions in which live bacteria for septic tanks and cesspools can multiply and be active, there are three types of biological products:

anaerobic bacteria;

aerobic microorganisms;

bio activators.

Anaerobic bacteria

The advantages of anaerobic purification are the rapid activation and effective mineralization of organic matter. In addition, small amounts of biomass are needed to operate. Disadvantages: when decomposing anaerobes, they emit methane, which emits an unpleasant odor, for their vital activity, strict adherence to certain conditions is necessary, and also in the need to periodically resort to sewage disposal services. In addition, detergents and chemicals that enter the drains negatively affect the vital activity of bacteria.

As the name implies, the anaerobic species of bacteria are microorganisms that do not need oxygen for life and activity, which can lead to the death of some. Recycling effluent under the influence of such bacteria is called decay. As a result of the vital activity of anaerobes, heavy residues of processed organic matter sink to the bottom, and the waters become clarified. After processing with the help of sewage equipment, the fractions are removed.

Aerobic bacteria

The main condition for the vital activity of aerobic bacteria is the presence of oxygen. For this, the air is supplied to the working tank using a compressor or aerators. The process of decomposition of organic matter by aerobes is accompanied by the release of thermal energy and carbon dioxide.

The main advantage of these bacteria is deep cleaning, up to 98%. As a result of their activity, solid impurities are dissolved, which remain after anaerobic and mechanical cleaning. A solid precipitate is not formed in the process, and a small deposit can be removed with the help of improvised means. In addition, during cleaning, the unpleasant odor is significantly weakened or completely disappears – carbon dioxide is released outside. The disadvantage is the need to constantly pump oxygen into the septic tank and sensitivity to household chemicals.

Bio activators

Combined preparations are called bio activators, which may contain bacteria of various groups and enzymes that activate the process of cleaning wastewater from organic waste. Sometimes catalysts are added to the composition. Due to their versatile composition, these drugs are most effective. Depending on the purpose and strength of the effect, they are divided into starting drugs, drugs with enhanced action, and funds for special conditions.

What bacteria are suitable for what

Based on the living conditions and functional characteristics of biological agents for septic tanks, the scope of their use is determined.

Anaerobic bacteria are easy to work with, do not require special conditions for the activity, and work well in different environments. They are easy to use: just add the biological product to the plumbing drain. It is best to use such funds as a means for closed-type septic tanks since they do not need air. Treated drains can be used for subsequent watering of vegetable gardens. If a country house or summer cottage is not used for regular living, this type of bacteria is best suited, since methane is released during the work of bacteria, in addition, you will have to resort to the services of a sewer to remove sediment.

Aerobic bacteria are used as a means for a septic tank for a private house with the permanent residence as a biological agent for cesspools of country toilets, as well as in closed septic tanks. However, when using bacteria for concrete septic tanks, one should not forget that certain conditions are necessary for their use – a regular supply of air by a compressor or aerator. The result of the activity of aerobic bacteria – activated sludge – can be used to fertilize vegetable gardens and purified water – for irrigation and as a technical one.

Bio activators are versatile products. The principle of their action is as follows: first, aerobes begin to work, triggering an acidic reaction. After having worked out oxygen, the aerobes die, anaerobic microorganisms come into play. Thus, bio activators are suitable for all types of septic tanks – from open drain pits to closed-type industrial septic tanks.

What bacteria to choose for a septic tank?

If we talk about the benefits of choice, then these are, of course, bio activators. Their versatile properties allow them to be used in cesspools and septic tanks without restrictions. The advantages of drugs that distinguish them favorably from others include:

resistance to household chemicals;

the ability to process certain fibers, such as cardboard and paper;

fast terms of waste processing;

elimination of unpleasant odors;

reduction of solid sediment by 70-80%;

special types of bio activators fight against pathogenic bacteria;

low consumption – for a cubic meter of fecal matter, one tablet of the agent is enough.

It is worth noting that the minimum amount of solid sediment that accumulates over time allows you to postpone the cleaning of the septic tank – to remove waste every 2 years. When choosing a biological product for a cesspool and a septic tank, you need to pay attention to its type. The drugs have a certain classification. Starting varieties are used when a new or long-term unused facility is put into operation. Drugs of enhanced action are used in case of severe pollution of the sewage system where it is necessary to activate the work of bacteria. You can use such funds for a short time – up to 3 weeks. Bio activators for special conditions are used to combat certain types of contaminants – for example, soap residue or fatty deposits.

Forms of biological products for cesspools

Biopreparations are produced for septic tanks in various marketable forms, the growth rate and activation of microorganisms, the time it takes for them to spread through the container, depending on this factor. Each form has its own advantages for certain conditions of use. There are live bacteria on sale for septic tanks and cesspools of the following categories:

powdery;

liquid;

tableted.

What to do with bacteria in powder form?

Biological products in powder form most often represent the concentration of adapted anaerobic bacteria. These are saprophytic microorganisms with very high reproductive rates, and hence efficiency. Dormant bacteria are packed in bags or other containers. When placed in a nutrient medium, microorganisms begin to multiply actively.

The procedure for using powder biological products is to dilute them with water and deliver them to a septic tank. The dosage of the product is indicated on the package for a certain volume of liquid. The powder is diluted with warm water at a specified temperature to activate bacteria and the resulting solution is poured into a septic tank – into a cesspool, a hatch, or a toilet bowl, then flushing with water. After a certain time interval specified by the manufacturer (usually 10-14 days), the number of bacteria must be replenished. Powder preparations can be used for all types of septic tanks; this form is often used to clean cesspools.

Liquid cesspool agent

The main advantage of such biological products is the uniform distribution of microorganisms, due to the liquid form. Most often, such means are anaerobic cultures operating in an airless space with large volumes of organic waste, or a complex of various microorganisms. Bio activators containing a combination of live bacteria are especially convenient.

Microorganisms are in liquid concentrated form, before use, the concentrate is diluted with water and added to the septic tank. The product dissolves organic matter, cellulose, removes unpleasant odors, and destroys pathogenic microbes. Due to the decomposition of solid sediments, the amount of wastewater pumping is significantly reduced. The drug is harmless to health and the environment. Used for cleaning cesspools, multi-section septic tanks.

Toilet pills

A tablet is a universal form of release of a biological product. The advantage of such funds is the convenience of their transportation and use. Usually, they have a complex composition that provides comprehensive cleaning – aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, catalysts, enzymes, nutrients, and other components. The tablets do not require pre-treatment and are suitable for almost any septic tank and cesspools.

It is important to remember that the effectiveness of biological products does not depend on the initial state. It depends on the composition of the drug and the concentration of microorganisms in it. The more bacteria in the product, the more efficiently it will work, the less often you will have to add the drug to the septic tank. The main thing is to follow the rules for using the funds specified in the instructions in order to create conditions for bacteria to live.