Should I Put Yeast in my Septic Tank?

When it comes to septic tank maintenance, you’ve probably heard of various home remedies, one of which being the addition of yeast to your system. Many homeowners wonder, “Does yeast clean a septic tank?” The answer is not as straightforward as one might think, and it’s crucial to understand the science behind septic systems and how they work before deciding to use yeast as a cleaning agent.

The Role of Bacteria in Septic Tanks

Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of bacteria to break down organic matter, primarily waste and toilet paper. These bacteria are typically categorized as anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. Anaerobic bacteria operate in environments without oxygen and break down waste, releasing methane and other gases in the process. Aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, require oxygen and are more efficient at breaking down waste, but they are not as prevalent in most septic systems due to the lack of oxygen.

Both kinds of bacteria will eat all of the types of organic solids in your septic system, including:

• Fats
• Oils
• Grease
• Proteins
• Fiber
• Carbohydrates

How Yeast Works in Septic Tanks (Not a Lot)

Yeast is a fungus, not a bacterium. It can aid in breaking down sugars and starches (which are complex carbohydrates) in your septic system via fermentation. While this may seem beneficial, the yeast does not break down the fats, oils, grease, and proteins, which constitute the biggest portion of the waste in your septic tank. Additionally, yeast does not eliminate the harmful pathogens found in waste, making it an inadequate solution for fully cleaning septic systems.

“Incomplete” is a good word to describe yeast’s role in affecting a septic tank. “Inadequate” is another good one.

When addressing the question, “Does yeast clean a septic tank?” it’s important to note that while yeast may contribute to some level of breakdown of waste material, it does not touch the vast majority of the organic solids in your system. It doesn’t hurt but it doesn’t help much, either.

But wait! It actually can hurt the system…

The Need for a Balanced Ecosystem

A balanced ecosystem within the septic tank is essential for optimal functioning. Introducing yeast can disrupt the balance between different microorganisms. This disruption can lead to reduced efficiency in waste breakdown, compromising the overall health and functionality of the septic system. Maintaining a balanced, healthy microbial community in the septic tank is crucial for long-term, hassle-free operation.

You Need Healthy Bacteria & Regular Septic Tank Maintenance

To maintain a healthy septic system, you need a healthy population of hungry bacteria. They’ll do most of the work to keep the septic system clean. If there are enough bacteria, they will keep the drain field clean and flowing smoothly as well. This is literally why we created Drain Field Cleaner by Dr. Pooper. It creates a massive army of hungry bacteria to eat up all those organic solids — fats, oils, grease, proteins, fiber, and carbohydrates.

Occasional inspections and pumping by professionals are indispensable to make sure your system doesn’t have any broken parts, disconnected baffles, or inorganics such as wipes, plastic bags, or toy prizes inside.

Biodegradable cleaners and minimal use of harsh chemicals help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria in the tank, ensuring efficient breakdown of waste. Household practices, such as moderating water use and proper disposal of waste, also play vital roles in maintaining septic system health.

The Summary

The contribution of yeast to the overall breakdown of waste in a septic system is minimal (almost negligible) compared to the bacterial processes. Unlike bacteria, yeast does not consume or break down fats, oils, proteins, or fiber, leaving a significant portion of the waste untreated. Additionally, yeast cannot fully substitute the role of bacteria in managing waste breakdown.