This Halloween Season, it’s easy to focus on scary skeletons, ghouls, and wraiths.
But if literature has taught humanity anything… it’s that not *all* monsters are bad! Just misunderstood.
Take Frankenstein’s Monster as an example. Sure, he’s a scary mash-up created by a mad scientist, but the story explores his positive traits in a meaningful way.
Bacteria are a lot like this.
When we first learn about bacteria, it’s a *bad* thing.
It makes us feel gross, infect wounds, and in some cases, can result in hospitalizations and death.
These lessons of our childhood were always punctuated with ‘wash your hands!’ But, later on in education, we learn there are good bacteria, too.
This October, in the midst of all these villainous themes, let's go against the grain together and explore the unsung heroes of your septic system.
Anaerobic Bacteria, the Workhorse
When you think of a septic system, there are several different types within that perform different functions.
Anaerobic Bacteria is the workhorse of the colony nested under your yard. Thriving very well in environments that do not have much oxygen.
They convert all waste in layers of sludge, which sinks to the bottom, while producing gases like methane.
This kickstarts the natural process of converting your home’s output into something the ground can absorb and filter naturally.
Facultative Bacteria, the Shape Shifters:
If Anaerobic Bacteria had a family, Facultative Bacteria is the more successful older sister that grandparents tend to dote on when they’re at bacteria church.
They can survive in places without much oxygen, like Anaerobic Bacteria… But also can work in environments that *are* oxygen rich, like leech fields.
Allowing them to break down waste no matter the case. They tend to be present throughout the entire process.
Setting the Scene: Stages of the ‘Haunted House’ that is a septic journey.
Considering what septic tanks are used for… It’s no secret that the journey waste goes through is far from pleasant from the perspective of us humans.
But what *are* the stages of the septic journey?
While the process may sound scary, it’s perfectly suited for filtering our water back into our environment in a way that is not terrifying (Implying you’re upkeeping your systems).
Stage One: The Flush
Food waste, grey water, and the ever-pleasant blackwater begins their journey through a series of pipes that lead to your system.
This part is pretty self explanatory, and you don't tend to think about it unless something backs up… (Eeek!)
Stage Two: The Settling
Wastewater is allowed to settle when it enters the tank.
Meaning: heavier solids sink to the bottom, while lighter materials, like grease and oils stay on the top, creating a scum layer.
Stage Three: Decomposition
Everything decays, and waste is no different! The anaerobic bacteria we mentioned earlier gets to work instantly on the sludge at the bottom of the tank.
This reduces the amount of waste at the bottom, converting it to simpler substances to be further broken down and filtered out, like methane.
Stage Four: Scum Treating
Much like a heroic cop throws criminal scum into jail after foiling their plans, so does the humble bacteria in your tank.
Tossing the materials that shouldn’t be there into a metaphorical jail of its own, breaking the criminal networks that hold the grease and fat together.
If I lost you during the metaphor… Bacteria break down the bonds that hold these fats together, converting them into smaller and smaller bits.
Side note: If there’s too much grease in a system, it overwhelms it, causing buildups.
Stage 5: The Release
Once the waste has been adequately treated, and the pressure and water level is just right…
The remaining liquid wastewater flows out of the tank and into the leach field.
If we follow the metaphor from stage 4, the ‘reformed robbers’ are released into a drain field.
Stage 6: Bacterial Probation
Because the ‘cops and robbers’ costume on this process is fun: Consider the leach (or drain) field ‘probation’ for the released bacteria.
The final step for the wastewater until it can ‘integrate back into society.’
This is the end of the septic journey!
Don’t Slay *These* Monsters: How to Protect your Septic System Bacteria.
To protect these microbial guardians, remember a few important tips!
● Avoid antibacterial products: These kill the good bacteria along with the bad.
● Don’t dump harsh chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners can wipe out your microbial workforce.
● Use septic-safe cleaners: Choose products that are labeled “septic safe” or biodegradable. (See our Suggestions)
Conclusion: Looks Can Be Deceiving, Not All Monsters Are Bad.
This Halloween season, while you're dodging jump scares and watching creature features, Remember: Not *all* monsters are out to get you!
In fact, the beasts lurking in your systems are actively working to protect your home from real horrors: system backups, sludge overflows, and costly repairs.
So this October, remember to give a little thanks to the misunderstood creatures down below.