What is good to put in a septic tank to break down solids?

• <div><p>The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to <a href="https://www.angi.com/articles/what-to-put-in-septic-tank-for-solids.htm">break down solids</a> in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.</p></div>

Get matched with top aquarium service pros in Arlee, MT

Q: Is it normal to smell your septic outside?

• <div><p>It is not normal to smell your septic outside and indicates a problem such as an unsealed manhole or access lid, a clogged septic line, a faulty vent stack, or the need for a septic tank pumping. If sewage is leaking from your septic system, it can be hazardous to you, your family, pets, and the surrounding environment. You can troubleshoot the issue yourself, or contact a septic tank pro who can resolve the issue quickly.</p></div>

Q: What is the best thing to use to unclog a septic tank?

• <div><p>The best thing to unclog a septic tank is a mechanical auger, especially if the clog is far down the line or particularly dense. You can also clear a clog in a septic line with a wooden pole or steel rod. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working in a septic tank, including wearing heavy-duty work gloves, goggles, and a gas mask. </p></div>

Q: What are the symptoms of a drain field failure?

• <div><p>Some of the biggest symptoms of a drain field failure include a foul stench, backed-up toilets and drains, and mushy grass or standing water on top of the drain field. Also, if the grass above your leach field starts suddenly growing faster and looks thicker or healthier than the rest of your lawn, it could be a sign that it isn&rsquo;t getting rid of waste properly.</p></div>

Q: How do you avoid future clogs?

• <div><p>Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you&rsquo;ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.</p></div>

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your aquarium service project in Arlee, MT?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Verified Reviews for Aquarium Service pros in Arlee, MT

*The Angi rating for Aquarium Service companies in Arlee, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Aquarium Service needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Aquarium Service companies in Arlee, MT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Aquarium Service needs.

Last update on March 18, 2025

Reviewed in March 2025
We experience very good service. We have been pleased with the quality of the products and the nice job they do of installing them. We are third time return customers. . .
Renewal by Andersen of Montana
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2023
Excellent experience all around. A quality roof at a fair price with prompt friendly service. They were extremely professional while there and thoroughly cleaned up the site when done. Highly recommend!
Elite Rocky Mountain Contracting
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2022
David Hillard is a born and raised TRUE Montana. He knows the area and what he is talking about. His Integrity is unmatched. His number one concern is customer service, and customer satisfactory. He kept me informed during the entire process, and was always checking in with me to assure I was...
Mighty Dog Roofing of Western Montana
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2022
Did a great job on the tree. Got stuck in my front yard, but fixed the damage. Accidents happen, but the customer service is in howvyou handle it. Very happy customer
Precision Tree Care
Request a quote
Reviewed in June 2020
Josh and his crew were fantastic to work with!! We had 5 mature trees removed (all in one day)and the price was very fair and his crew was amazing!! All of them were polite, considerate and very hard working. They did a complete clean up, got rid of all the limbs and raked up any small...
PJ's Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2016
Called with a scheduled arrival time, showed up on time, hazard trimmed two trees, cleaned up work area nicely, definitely would use their services again
Treasure State Tree Service
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2016
Ed and his company were very good and they were very punctual, I barely knew they were here. They arrived on time, completed the project all while maintaining good customer service and professionalism. I would recommend this company to anyone else in the Missoula area.
Nature's Best Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in January 2016
The technician was rude, spoke to me as if i was uneducated and very curt. He claimed that certain parts of my furnace needed to be replaced and annual service for cleaning was needed. The next day, the furnace did not function again so I called the office and relayed the issue and no call was...
Temp Right Service, Inc
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2013
On the afternoon of April 3, 2013, the outer glass on the lower oven door on my Maytag range spontaneously shattered. I live in the Mission Valley of NW Montana, many miles from appliance repair services. After an internet search and a call to Maytag, I called Allbrands Appliance Service in...
All Brands Appliance Service, Inc.
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2010
I had a work van that would not shift properly. Took it in and they analyzed the problem right away. They gave me a cost estimate and time to pick it up. The price was reasonable and the service was good
Transolution Auto Care Center
Request a quote

Find Aquarium service pros in Arlee

Adaptive Firescapes

5.0(

)

Water Feature - Install a Pond

Serving Arlee, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2022

"Nicole was great she walked my property with me talked with me about how to trim my trees, what changes needed to be made to my landscape (move bushes/plants, remove trees ect) to be as proactive as possible in protecting my home in case of a wild fire. Nicole understood that the natural beauty of my property was important to me and I spend a lot of time outside and she took it to heart suggesting things to keep my property beautiful but practical and safe. Will definitely hire again in a few years to go over the changes and make sure I’m as protected as possible."

Recommended by100%of homeowners

Request Quote

Mountaintop Enterprises, LLC

2.5(

)

Water Feature - Install a Pond

Serving Arlee, MT and surrounding areas

In business since 2011

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"Mountain top Enterprises got back to me very timely. They were on time, go getters that got the job done. There were some alterations ,upgrades that needed done and they troubleshooted it perfect. They fixed the well leak, added a pressure valve and even helped get my sprinkler system on. Hats off to them. It was a little more expensive than the quote but well worth it."

+12

Response time1 day

Recommended by50%of homeowners

Request Quote

Aquarium Services questions, answered by experts

It is not normal to smell your septic outside and indicates a problem such as an unsealed manhole or access lid, a clogged septic line, a faulty vent stack, or the need for a septic tank pumping. If sewage is leaking from your septic system, it can be hazardous to you, your family, pets, and the surrounding environment. You can troubleshoot the issue yourself, or contact a septic tank pro who can resolve the issue quickly.

The bacteria already present in your septic system should be enough to break down solids in a properly maintained septic tank. However, if you’re in a DIY mood, you can try adding (well-mashed) rotten tomatoes to help the good bacteria fulfill their duty. Just make sure you give them a couple hours to work after flushing them down.

The best thing to unclog a septic tank is a mechanical auger, especially if the clog is far down the line or particularly dense. You can also clear a clog in a septic line with a wooden pole or steel rod. Be sure to follow safety precautions when working in a septic tank, including wearing heavy-duty work gloves, goggles, and a gas mask.

Some of the biggest symptoms of a drain field failure include a foul stench, backed-up toilets and drains, and mushy grass or standing water on top of the drain field. Also, if the grass above your leach field starts suddenly growing faster and looks thicker or healthier than the rest of your lawn, it could be a sign that it isn’t getting rid of waste properly.

Using less toilet paper is the easiest way to prevent future clogs. Also, avoid flushing sanitary products, thick paper towels, or hair down the toilet. If you’ve been using a brick in the tank to reduce the water used to flush the toilet, take it out immediately. Bricks will eventually fall apart and clog your toilet drain. Keeping your toilet lid closed also helps avoid future clogs.

The Arlee, MT homeowners’ guide to aquarium services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Sep 10, 2026Sep 10, 2026
How Much Does Mosquito Control Service Cost? [2026 Data]
Discover mosquito control service cost estimates, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to save on professional mosquito treatments for your home.
Dan Simms
•
Aug 1, 2026Aug 1, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Move a 3-Bedroom House Long Distance? [2026 Data]
If you’re moving, you need to consider distance, weight, packing, and more. Our guide provides the average cost to move a 3-bedroom house long distance.
Angi
•
Apr 5, 2026Apr 5, 2026
How Much Does It Cost to Stock a Pond? [2026 Data]
Discover how much it costs to stock a pond, including average prices, key cost factors, and tips to help homeowners plan their pond stocking project.
Dina Cheney
•
Jul 9, 2026Jul 9, 2026
What Are the Benefits of Winter Pool Service?
If you live in an area without very cold winters but tempted to close your pool during the cooler months, read on. We dive into the many benefits of winter service.
C.E. Larusso
•
Jul 7, 2026Jul 7, 2026
Heavy Items That Are Impossible to Move Without Movers
Learn about home items that are nearly impossible to move without movers, either because they are awkwardly shaped, too heavy, or require special equipment.
Alison Kasch
•
Jul 8, 2026Jul 8, 2026
20 Surfaces You Can Clean With a Steam Cleaner
Steam cleaning makes your floors feel spotless without harsh chemicals. However, certain areas benefit from steam more than others. Here’s what you can clean with a steam cleaner.