How Well Do Septic Tank Treatments Work? (TOP 5 Tips)

There is little scientific data to suggest that you should add bacteria or enzymes to your septic system. The United States Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks.

  • As a septic tank treatment option, they work well to break down the collected oils, fats, and greases in the bottom of the tank, but they can do their job too well by also breaking down much of the bacterial ecosystem.

Are septic tank additives good or bad?

Inorganic compounds While these harsh chemical additives may work as advertised, we suggest you avoid them because they: corrode and cause leaks in concrete treatment tanks. stop the anaerobic digestion process in septic tanks. harm the bacteria that are essential to the wastewater treatment process.

How long does it take for septic treatment to work?

The enzymes in RID-X® begin working as soon as they come in contact with water. The bacteria take 2-4 hours to germinate and then begin to break down solid waste. If the temperature and conditions are favorable, then the bacteria will multiply to the maximum level that the environment will allow in about 2-4 days.

Do septic tank shock treatments work?

High bacterial count shock treatments (a common septic tank treatment process) are often successfully employed into the failing septic system. This will cause the digestion process to reactivate breaking down solid sludge and bio-mat restoring the system and drain field lateral lines to original condition.

What is the best thing to put in your septic tank?

Biological Additives. Biological additives, like bacteria and extracellular enzymes, are the only acceptable septic tank treatment for promoting a healthy, natural bacterial ecosystem, maintaining an effective drain field, and protecting the health of the local groundwater.

Can you put too much bacteria in a septic tank?

Too much of a good thing can cause problems. A septic system relies on the correct balance of bacteria to do its job. An overpopulation of bacteria can deplete the oxygen in the septic tank and turn the environment septic. A septic, septic system is one in which the ecosystem within the tank is out of balance.

What are the signs that your septic tank is full?

Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:

  • Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
  • Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
  • Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
  • You Hear Gurgling Water.
  • You Have A Sewage Backup.
  • How often should you empty your septic tank?

Does Ridex dissolve hair?

Rid-X does NOT clear up existing clogs. You will still need to remember to remove the hair that gets caught in drains, and remove any foreign objects that get into the pipes.

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

Is RIDX good for septic?

How additives, like Rid-x, interfere with your septic system’s eco-system. According to the EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, not only are additives like Rid-X not recommended, but they actually have a detrimental and potentially hazardous effect on your septic system’s waste treatment process.

How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?

What Can You Do to Promote Septic Tank Bacteria Growth? Bacteria will grow naturally in your septic tank. You promote growth of bacteria by flushing more solid waste down into the tank all the time.

How many loads of laundry a day are safe to do with a septic tank?

Spread Out Laundry Loads These use less water which puts less stress on your septic system. Regardless of the type of appliance you have, you should still spread out your loads. Instead of doing several loads in one day, consider doing 1 load per day or space out 2 loads if you must do more in a single day.

What can break down poop in septic tank?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

Is beer good for septic tanks?

Do not flush meat, buttermilk, yeast, vegetables, beer etc. down your drain to “Feed” your septic system. This will kill the good bacteria in your septic system.

What to do after septic is pumped?

After you have had your septic tank pumped by a trusted septic company, there are some things you can and should do as the septic system owner.

  1. 1) Get on a Schedule.
  2. 2) Take Care of the System.
  3. 3) Know the Parts of Your System.
  4. 4) Check Other Possible Issues.

Should we use septic tank additives and do they really work?

The efficacy of septic tank additives is a subject of intense discussion in the scientific community. The most common reason why individuals are warned against using septic tank additives is the misconception that adding an addition totally eliminates the need for pumping or other maintenance operations. However, while it is true that additives increase the effectiveness and durability of septic systems, the owner of the system must still adhere to the regular pumping plan. Every septic system owner should be reminded that even when utilizing biological additives, they should still pump their tanks once every three to five years, according to Purdue University researchers.

What are septic tank additives made of?

The other reason why some individuals are against additives is because they have had a terrible experience with some of the poor quality additives that are now available on the market. So, what characteristics distinguish an excellent additive? Let’s have a look at the primary ingredients that are utilized in the production of septic tank additives.

Chemical septic tank additives

The most significant disadvantage of chemical additions is that they operate under the premise that the septic tank has sufficient bacteria and enzymes. Unfortunately, this is seldom the case, especially given the fact that the majority of households employ items that reduce the effectiveness of bacteria. The following are some of the most often seen chemical additive components: Calcium Calcium is one of the most often used chemical additions, and it is also one of the most abundant. In general, the concept behind utilizing calcium as an addition is that it elevates the pH levels in sewage, so creating an environment that is favourable for optimal bacterial activity.

  • Although it appears to be a smart idea on paper, the reality is that calcium will really do more harm than benefit.
  • As if things weren’t bad enough, the calcium may also act as a flocculant, which will cause solid waste to suspend in the septic tank and finally make its way into the leach field.
  • Sodium bicarbonate is preferable to calcium because it increases the alkalinity of the septic tank, rather than increasing the pH of the tank.
  • The action of flocculants and surfactants is to reduce the tension that exists between molecules.
  • The same concept is used by the additives that make use of these items to allow the particles to break down and flow smoothly with the waste water.

However, when biosurfactants are used in conjunction with bacteria, there is an exception to the general norm. Consequently, the biosurfactant will actually aid the bacteria in their digestion of organic waste.

Nutrients

The introduction of food into the sewage system is the goal of several septic tank additives. Bacteria, like any other living entity, require nourishment in order to maintain their existence. As a result, these additions provide minerals, carbon, grain, meat, protein, and other kinds of sustenance for the bacteria. These additives, on the other hand, have two major drawbacks. First and foremost, they operate on the assumption that the septic tank has the appropriate types of bacteria in proper quantities.

Enzymes

We manufacture enzymes in our bodies to assist in the digestion of food and the absorption of nutrients by our bodies. Enzymes serve a similar role in the treatment of sewage in septic tanks. In the process, they break down the complicated chemicals, making them more appetizing to bacteria. Yeast is one of the most often utilized products in the production of enzymes, but it faces a number of challenges, the most significant of which is that it lacks the enzymes required for the decomposition of FOG and hair protein.

Bio-additives Sol’s are derived from both enzymes and bacteria, so avoiding this usual stumbling block.

  • Lipase is a digestive enzyme that converts the molecular structure of lipids into water. Amylase is a digestive enzyme that digests carbohydrates by converting them into a soluble solution. It contains the enzyme protease, which deodorizes and liquefies solid wastes. Cellulase is a digestive enzyme that aids in the breakdown of toilet paper.

CAUTION: Despite the fact that yeast contains enzymes, it is not recommended to introduce yeast into the septic system. The absence of bacteria in the yeast means that your system may have an imbalance between enzymes and bacteria, which will result in foaming, which can result in suspended particles being pushed into the leachbed before they can be digested by bacteria.

Bacteria

As a result of flushing the toilet after passing stool, the proper bacteria is introduced into the septic tank together with the feces. Bacteria are a natural component of the digestive secretions produced by the human body. These bacteria perform best when the pH is regulated and the temperature is maintained at body temperature. So, why would you want to add bacteria-containing chemicals to your septic system, anyway? There are a handful of valid explanations for this. Most importantly, the addition of highly-trained specialist bacteria into the system will aid to improve its overall efficiency since the specialized bacteria are specifically engineered to withstand higher temperature variations as well as greater swings in pH value fluctuations.

The use of a good biological additive to replenish the system is recommended since bacteria decrease and pH levels are disrupted as a result of the usage of dangerous items.

The biological ingredient in Bio-septic Sol’s system brings billions of bacteria and enzymes into your septic system, which is why it has been shown to be effective in the cleaning of septic systems.

Conclusion

Chemical septic tank additives can actually be harmful to the septic tank since they destroy the microorganisms in the tank and pollute the surrounding environment. In order to avoid them entirely, it is recommended that you do so. Biological additives, on the other hand, are completely harmless to the environment and the septic tank, and they can even assist to increase the efficiency and durability of the septic tank. Only one word of caution should be heeded while utilizing biological additions: keep in mind that not all biological additives are created equal.

Do Septic Tank Additives Really Work?

Adobe Stock / kaliantye / Adobe Stock Because your septic system is such an important component of your house, it’s only reasonable to want to do everything you can to ensure that it continues to function properly. Manufacturing companies that produce septic tank additives are well aware of this, and they market products that claim to lessen the need for pumping, dissolve obstructions, or otherwise enhance your sewage system. In actuality, though, these additions aren’t essential and, in many cases, are detrimental to one’s health.

How Septic Systems Work Without Additives

Many people utilize unneeded or hazardous septic tank additives because they don’t fully comprehend how a septic system functions. This is the most common reason for this practice. Septic systems function by taking use of a perfectly natural biological process that does not necessitate the involvement of humans in any way. They are intended to function without the need of additives. Your septic tank gets all the wastewater and waste solids from your home’s plumbing system. This waste contains bacteria, which, once in the septic tank, separates the waste into layers, allowing it to be processed more efficiently.

  • The effluent layer, which is a clear wastewater layer, is located in the center.
  • Waste that has already accumulated in the tank provides all of the nutrients required by the indigenous bacteria that have already established themselves in the tank.
  • If you increase the number of bacteria without increasing the amount of garbage, the bacteria will only devour each other.
  • All that is required to keep your tank in good condition is frequent examination and pumping to remove the solid sludge layer.
  • Inspection or expert inspection should be carried out on the system every one to three years, depending on the kind of system.

Maintaining a solid waste removal system in your tank every two to five years, depending on the size of your home and how frequently you use it, as well as your climate, is recommended.

The False Promise of Septic Tank Additives

Manufacturers of septic tank additives often claim that their chemicals aid in the breakdown of the solid waste layer or the scum layer, resulting in you not having to have your tank pumped as frequently. Other items claimed to be able to unclog a blocked soil absorption system, but none of them delivered. There are two sorts of additives: These are bacteria, yeast, and enzyme items that manufacturers market as a means to kick-start a brand-new septic system or to provide extra assistance for an overburdened system.

  • They are not harmful to your system, but they are also not beneficial.
  • In other circumstances, the system may have been designed or built improperly, necessitating a complete revamp of the entire system.
  • This category includes products such as drain cleaners and degreasers for the home.
  • When they really do what they say they will, they will cause interference with the waste separation process.
  • At worst, they can cause damage to the pipes and other components of the system.
  • You should get your septic tank pumped if you detect a foul odor, gathering water around the drainfield, or your drains are running slowly.
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Managing Special Situations

There are several septic tank additions that are promoted for use in rare conditions, however even in these instances, an additive will not be of much use. For months at a time, when the septic system is not in use, the bacteria load might decrease to such a low level that the system is no longer as efficient as it would be under normal circumstances. To combat this issue, save any activities that need a lot of water, such as running the dishwasher or washing laundry, till after the toilet has been used a few times to allow additional bacteria to colonize the system.

  1. In the event that your septic system has not been utilized in some years, you should have it professionally examined before resuming usage.
  2. It is necessary to have expert repair work or cleaning done if there is damage or filth.
  3. Hosting a large number of visitors in your home for a few weeks might put a strain on your septic system.
  4. The fact that there are a variety of septic tank additives available on the market makes it tempting to believe that at least a some of them would be able to improve the efficiency of your system.

The most beneficial thing you can do for your septic system is to allow it to function as it was intended, using only natural bacteria. Beyond that, keep it pumped and examined on a regular basis, and it will continue to function well for decades.

Everything You Need to Know About Septic Tank Additive

When you manage your septic system properly, you won’t need to use any septic tank additives. Get quotations from as many as three professionals! Enter your zip code below to get matched with top-rated professionals in your area. Septic tanks are meant to handle waste disposal on their own, without the use of any additional chemicals. Regular septic tank pumping and inspections will ensure that a septic system will last for decades. A septic system is usually employed in rural locations where there is no access to municipal sewer systems.

How Septic Tank Systems Work

In essence, a septic tank is a storage tank for sediments and wastewater that is discharged from a residence and serves as the initial stage in the treatment process. Your septic tank has an important role to play in keeping sediments, grease, and oils from entering your drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow region where the pretreated wastewater filters through the soil before exiting the system. When wastewater is introduced into the tank, it is separated into three levels. It is divided into three layers: the top layer is composed of fat or grease, the middle layer is composed of clear wastewater known as effluent, and the bottom layer is composed of solid trash.

Some materials, such as sand or small toy cars, that have been flushed will not be broken down by the bacteria.

Those formidable bacteria, on the other hand, will break down organic solids—as long as they are provided with an environment in which to grow.

What Septic Tank Additives Do

Kevin Trimmer/Moment is credited with this image through Getty Images. The bacteria in the septic tank are critical to the proper operation of the system. It is necessary because without it, the oils, fats, and organic substances would not be broken down. The septic system has been meticulously constructed to function with little or no interference from you. Don’t be fooled by septic system urban legends. It is not necessary to pay $15 each bottle in order to introduce additives into the system.

Any additions, such as drain cleaners, disinfectants, or bleach, have the potential to kill out all of the beneficial bacteria in the tank, putting the septic system in peril as a result.

Some additions, such as formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium, and zinc sulfate, are touted as helping to suppress the smell of these compounds, but in the process, they damage the system and its microbes.

Septic tank additives have caused so many system failures that several jurisdictions have outlawed their usage entirely.

An experienced septic tank technician can assist you in diagnosing and treating any problems you may be experiencing with your septic system. If you need to walk outside to see what’s wrong with the septic system, make sure you follow septic tank safety precautions.

How to Care for Septic System Bacteria

The bacteria in septic systems can be killed by a variety of means, not just commercial additives. Keep those bacteria healthy and productive by doing the following:

  • Cleaning solutions should be properly diluted since cleansers that end up in the drain might kill microorganisms
  • Properly diluted cleaning solutions Keeping contaminants such as residual stain, paint, and oil out of the sink is important to your health. Check the waste management website for your county or city to find out how to properly dispose of it
  • Water consumption should be spread out. It is recommended to wash garments on different days of the week in order to prevent overloading the system on a single major wash day.

How to Maintain Your Septic System

A septic system is not intended to be bacteria-free and fragrant with the aroma of rain. There is no septic tank additive that will perform better than the natural operation of a septic tank and the utilization of healthy bacteria. The most important thing you can do is to let the bacteria to do their work while performing your routine septic tank pumps and inspections. In reality, certain additives can induce septic system failure, which will necessitate the replacement of the entire system.

  • Conserve water by installing high-efficiency showerheads and toilets in your home. Wash full loads of clothing or use the small load setting on your washing machine. Waste should be disposed of properly: All of the things that you flush or pour down the toilet end up in the septic system. Items such as feminine hygiene products, dental floss, and diapers should be disposed of properly in the garbage. Chemicals such as paints and cleansers should be carefully recycled since they have the potential to harm the microorganisms in a septic system. Keep your drainfield in good condition: Know the location of your drainfield and avoid parking vehicles on it. Landscape surrounding a sewer system from a safe distance away in order to avoid system disturbance. Rainwater should be directed away from the drainfield, and things such as pools should not be drained over the drainfield. The addition of water to that location may cause the system to slow down.

If you have a query regarding a specific addition or would want further information, you should contact the state government agency that oversees wastewater and septic systems in your area.

Best septic tank treatments for rural homeowners

If you reside in a rural area of the United States, the chances are good that you will not be linked to a municipal water and sewer system. This means that your water will come from a well, and your body waste will be disposed of in a septic tank. It is the latter that we will be discussing in this article. After all, while septic tanks are capable of decomposing human waste on their own, they occasionally require assistance, and it is at this point that we as homeowners turn to the internet for information on the finest septic tank treatments available.

  • Consider it to be akin to re-digesting the solids before sending them to a distribution box (D-box) and then out onto a leaching field to break them down.
  • If anything isn’t operating properly, you may find yourself stuck with obstructions and a buildup of gasses.
  • After all, septic repairs are not inexpensive – I had to have my leaching field replaced a few years ago, which resulted in a bill of several thousand dollars.
  • In all likelihood, it will require pumping, however we have been able to go even longer without the need for pumping.

Here are 5 of the greatest septic tank treatments that we’ve come across that you may use if you need to give your septic system a little more TLC:

Green Gobbler Septic Saver Pacs

A septic saver that is designed to digest grease and fats while also breaking down paper and organic debris in order to keep your sewage line and septic tank free of blockages. It also aids in the reduction of smells, no matter how offensive they may be! To use Septic Saver, simply drop one pack into your downstairs bathroom toilet and flush it once a month for preventive septic tank maintenance. Each bag of Septic Saver contains six water-soluble packs; to use, simply drop and flush one pack into your downstairs bathroom toilet once a month for preventive septic tank maintenance.

Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes

This is the brand that you’ll see the most advertisements for on television, and in our experience, these enzyme pacs are really effective! Septic backups are prevented by continually breaking down household waste – the natural bacteria and sophisticated enzymes begin working instantly to target paper, protein, oils, and grease. Rid-X is available in a variety of sizes. One packet of provides a one-month treatment for septic tanks ranging in capacity from 700 to 1,500 gallons. To use, simply insert a pouch in your toilet and flush it down the toilet.

Instant Power 1868 Septic Shock

Septic Shock unclogs and deodorizes blocked, foul-smelling septic systems while also aiding in the digestion of soap, paper and grease. Pouring two liters (one container) of bleach directly into the toilet and flushing it will introduce millions of helpful bacteria to the system. This product comprises bacterial/enzyme strains of lipase (grease), protease (protein), cellulose (paper), and alpha amylase, which work together to breakdown system-clogging waste and debris.

Bio-Tab for Septic Systems

Using this ecologically friendly septic tank treatment will not affect your plumbing or septic system because it is non-corrosive and non-poisonous. Each container has a year’s worth of supplies (14 no-mess pills), as well as a calendar on the lid to keep track of your monthly use. Bio-Tab is made up of organisms that have been considered safe by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and is non-toxic to people and animals.

Walex Bio-Active Drop-Ins Septic Additive

Each month, you’ll receive a box that is safe for all types of plumbing and environmentally friendly – just put it in the toilet and flush it. With each dose, billions of bacteria and septic-specific enzymes are released, assisting in the prevention of blockages and the dissolution of solid materials. The use of Bio-Active helps to replenish the biological population of beneficial worker bacteria and enzymes, which are responsible for solids reduction. Each package contains 12 packets, which is enough for a year’s supply.

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Do Septic System Additives Work?

If your home has a septic system, you are one of a growing number of homeowners in the United States that rely on privatesewage disposal. Twenty-five percent of total housing, and 33 percent of new homes in the US use onsite wastewater treatment,also known as septic systems.In addition, Professor Mike Hoover of theDepartment of Soil Science at North Carolina StateUniversitymaintains that “forces such as urban and suburban sprawl and the high costs of central sewage systems for buildersand governments” increase the number of septic system users each year.For septic system owners, proper maintenance can mean the difference between along-lasting, trouble-free system and onethat ultimately racks up tens of thousands of dollars in problems. Yet, many people receive conflicting and confusing adviceabout what maintenance is necessary.Most professionals recommend that septic tanks be pumped every 2 – 3 years to remove collected solids, but many privatecompanies have another solution – use low-costseptic additiveson a regular basis to reduce the need for the more costlypumping. Additionally, when a septic system is in trouble and costly repairs or replacement looms, many additives offer aquick fix.So what’s the truth? Are septic system additives (there are about 1200 on the market today) the next best thing to indoor plumbing, or are they money down the drain?Some experts say additives do more harm than good, and some believe that they are not harmful, but they don’t do much of anythingat all, except cost money. Other than the septic additive manufacturers themselves, we could find no scientist, engineer,academic, or government source that recommends the use of septic system additives.

Septic Additives 101

Wastewater exits the residence when the toilet flushes or the washing machine runs in homes with septic systems and gathers in a septic tank once it has been collected. Natural microorganisms found in trash break down the majority of the solid material, converting it to a liquid or gas. Heavy materials, such as fragments of plastic or other non-biodegradable material, fall to the bottom of the tank and create the sludge layer there. Lighter things such as grease or oil float to the surface of the water, where they are referred to as scum.

  1. It’s a rather straightforward and natural procedure.
  2. They are sometimes referred to as septic tank cleaning agents, aerators, restorers, rejuvenators, and enhancement agents.
  3. The active constituents in these products, such as sulfuric acid, can be very corrosive and cause structural damage to the tank’s internal components.
  4. In addition to acting as starting agents in new systems, they are also reported to boost the efficiency with which solids are broken down in existing systems.

In terms of the environmental effect of biological additions, it is important to note that According to the Journal of Environmental Health, the vast majority of “wastewater professionals” are unconcerned.

What’s the Hype?

In addition to home improvement and building stores, hardware stores, and supermarkets, septic tank additives are now widely accessible for purchase online. They are marketed on television and on the internet, among other places. In addition, certain additives are pushed by way of telephone solicitation or by door-to-door salespeople. Even in the face of intensive marketing, homeowners must be knowledgeable customers who understand what they are purchasing. The National Environmental Services Center at West Virginia University, according to Jennifer Hause, a scientist there, is concerned about “Septic tanks are mysterious to most individuals who have never been inside one.

Generally speaking, most septic system maintenance manuals regard solids removal from the tank to be a necessary and fundamental operation.

Hause provides the following explanation: “Solids will be present in a septic tank for as long as wastewater is being discharged into it.

If a product promises to reduce or eliminate the need to pump, I have to wonder where the solids end up if they are no longer in the tank to begin with.

What the Government Says

Because the design of any septic system is influenced by the location in which it is installed, local health agencies are frequently the finest source of help and information for homeowners. In order to ensure that there are no restrictions on the use of chemicals, Hause recommends that homeowners check with their local permitting authorities, which are most often municipal health departments. Use, sale, and distribution of additives are only permitted in the states of Washington and Massachusetts if they have been approved.

It is required to submit non-chemically based additive goods to a review system in order to establish whether components are associated with detrimental impacts on human health or the environment.” Product advertising may indicate “complying with Washington rules addressing harm to public health and water quality,” but additive producers are not permitted to use the word “approved” in their marketing materials in the state of Washington.

What the Research Says

‘Much-needed study,’ Dr. Hoover stated in an email, “is of great interest not only to practicing experts in the on-sitewastewater area, but it is also of significant interest to many homeowners as well, who wish to safeguard their home investment while also protecting the environment.” Despite this, credible independent research has been hard to come by during the previous four decades. There are two studies from the late 1990s that are noteworthy. Gregory H. Clark, a doctoral student at the time, conducted what has been dubbed a “landmark” research under Hoover’s supervision in 1997.

  1. tanks were separated into three categories: those that had been properly kept (recently pumped), those that had been badly maintained (rarely or never pumped in 15-20 years of usage), and those that were somewhere in the center of the two categories.
  2. The three products tested were from Drano, Liquid Plumr, and Rid-X, and they were all successful.
  3. “The additions evaluated did not give any considerable or long-term statistically significant advantages when compared to the control,” the researchers found, referring to the things that were examined and the settings of this study.
  4. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Environmental Health in January 2008.
  5. They came to the same conclusion that there had been no change in the amount of sludge accumulating at the bottom of the tank or the quantity of floating particles.
  6. Despite the fact that the addition appeared to have no harmful impact on septic systems, the NAWT did not express a “opinion, favorable or negative, on the use of bacterial additives in septictanks” in its report.

Conclusion

It is no longer possible to purchase chemical additives since they are plainly harmful to septic systems and the environment. According to septic system expert Sanford Mersky, biological additions are largely harmless but needless “re-branded potions marketed under private brands.” Some homeowners are concerned that the medications they consume or the cleaning products they use in the house could kill or harm the beneficial bacteria in their septic systems.

Hause suggests that if there is a potential problem with a septic system, homeowners should get it checked by a septic specialist, and she believes that the local health department is the best place to begin looking for resources. septic system maintenance

More Resources

Several septic additives are listed on the websites of both Massachusetts and Washington that are believed to be non-toxic to the environment. These lists may be found at the following link:

Do Septic Additives Really Work?

Do you want to know if septic tank additives are really worth the money they cost? Many homeowners utilize additional additives in an attempt to increase the efficiency of their septic system, but there is no evidence to support the claims made by their proponents that these additives deliver on all of their promises.

What Are Septic Tank Additives?

A septic tank additive’s role in your system is to “assist” the natural bacteria in your septic tank in the process of breaking down waste. The problem is that some of the chemicals are too powerful, and they end up killing the beneficial bacteria that your septic tank naturally generates. Other septic additives just “increase” the number of beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, which is not harmful. Septic tank additives are available in two basic kinds.

Biological Additives

In a septic tank, biological additives consist of natural bacteria that are advertised to help “break down” sludge and make it drain more quickly. According to the manufacturer, by breaking down the sludge more quickly, you will not have to pump your tank as frequently. Nature, on the other hand, is supremely intelligent and rarely need the assistance of biological additives. Septic tank waste provides all of the anaerobic bacteria required to break down the particles in your system. Increasing the amount of biological additions in a product does not inherently hurt it, but it does not truly benefit it either.

Chemical Additives

Chemical additions, on the other hand, are something that we can’t avoid. It is possible that drain cleaners, chemical degreasers, as well as goods used in the toilet or sink, can negatively impact your septic system. Harsh chemicals have a tendency to kill both healthy and harmful bacteria, interfering with the natural breakdown process that occurs in your septic tank. Moreover, they can transport germs from your tank to your soil, putting your drain field’s safety at risk.

How Do Additives Affect Your Septic Tank?

According to research, the majority of septic tank additives offer very little (if anything) to improve the overall function of your system. Some additives can even impair the performance of your septic tank’s filtration system. What is the procedure for doing this? Keep in mind that septic tanks clean wastewater in a natural way by utilizing beneficial microorganisms. Because most additives are classified as “bacterial cleaners,” they enter the tank and kill the beneficial bacteria that aid in the natural breakdown of solid waste.

Some septic tank additives, for example, aid in the enhancement of the natural bacterial treatment of your wastewater.

As long as it’s the correct sort of addition, this can help a septic system that’s been overworked during periods of heavy usage, such as during large parties.

If you use them, consult your local septic professional. As a result, it is quite necessary to conduct thorough research. It is recommended that you contact with a specialist before making a purchase of additives to determine how the additives will benefit your business operations.

How to Improve the Efficiency of Your Septic System

While septic additives aren’t a panacea in and of themselves, they are completely ineffective if you don’t take the following steps to improve the health of your septic system. You may avoid significant septic system problems from arising even if you do not intend to use septic tank additives. Follow the guidelines below to learn more.

Watch what you flush.

All that should be flushed down the toilet is wastewater and toilet paper. Everything else should be discarded. Do not flush anything down the toilet, including baby wipes, paper towels, diapers, tissues, feminine products, or anything else. These objects have the potential to block your plumbing and cause pricey repairs. The use of septic system additives will be of little benefit to you if you are not treating the system with care.

Check your system regularly.

While it is not necessary to do a daily, in-depth examination of your septic system, you should do so on a regular basis to verify that everything is functioning properly. Give it a quick peek every now and again to ensure it’s doing its function properly.

Schedule routine maintenance.

Lastly, the most essential thing you can do for the health of your septic system is to get it serviced by a competent technician on a yearly basis. Routine maintenance simply guarantees that possible problems are identified and addressed as soon as they arise, before they have the opportunity to cause further harm and incur further costs. Take the time to locate a business that is concerned about the comfort of your house.

Looking for a Septic Professional?

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area. We take great pride in finishing the job that others have left unfinished. In the event that you have any questions or would want to organize a system inspection with one of our specialists, please contact us immediately.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

  • It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on septic system maintenance because it is not difficult. There are four main components to upkeep:

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

  • The size of the household
  • The total amount of wastewater produced
  • The amount of solids present in wastewater
  • The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

  • Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
  • Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

  • Cooking grease or oil
  • Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
  • Photographic solutions
  • Feminine hygiene items Condoms
  • Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

  • Septic systems are made up of a variety of live organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. In addition to killing these creatures, dumping poisons down the drain might damage your septic system. It makes no difference if you’re standing at the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, or the laundry sink:

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

Your septic system is a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring chemicals down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as your plumbing. Regardless of whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink:

  • The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

  • It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that exits your septic tank. You should perform the following to keep it in good condition:

How Your Septic System Works

Underground wastewater treatment facilities, known as septic systems, are often employed in rural regions where there are no centralized sewage lines. They clean wastewater from residential plumbing, such as that produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry, by combining natural processes with well-established technology. A conventional septic system is comprised of two components: a septic tank and a drainfield, often known as a soil absorption field. It is the septic tank’s job to decompose organic matter and to remove floatable stuff (such as oils and grease) and solids from wastewater.

Alternate treatment systems rely on pumps or gravity to assist septic tank effluent in trickling through a variety of media such as sand, organic matter (e.g., peat and sawdust), constructed wetlands, or other media to remove or neutralize pollutants such as pathogens that cause disease, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other contaminants.

Prior to discharging wastewater into the environment, several alternative systems are designed to evaporate or disinfect the effluent.

Specifically, this is how a typical conventional septic system works:

  1. All of the water that leaves your home drains down a single main drainage pipe and into a septic tank. An underground, water-tight container, often composed of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene, serves as a septic system’s holding tank. Its function is to retain wastewater for a long enough period of time to allow particles to sink to the bottom and form sludge, while oil and grease float to the surface and produce scum. Sludge and scum are prevented from exiting the tank and moving into the drainfield region by compartments and a T-shaped outlet. After that, the liquid wastewater (effluent) exits the tank and flows into the drainfield. The drainfield is a shallow, covered hole dug in unsaturated soil that serves as a drainage system. Porous surfaces are used to release pretreated wastewater because they allow the wastewater to pass through the soil and into the groundwater. In the process of percolating through the soil, wastewater is accepted, treated, and dispersed by the soil, finally discharging into groundwater. Finally, if the drainfield becomes overburdened with too much liquid, it can flood, causing sewage to flow to the ground surface or resulting in toilet backups and sink backups. Finally, wastewater percolates into the soil, where it is naturally removed of harmful coliform bacteria, viruses, and nutrients. Coliform bacteria are a kind of bacteria that may be found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals, with humans being the most common host. As a result of human fecal contamination, it is a sign of this.

The Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority has built an animated, interactive model of how a residential septic system works, which you can view here.

Do you have a septic system?

It’s possible that you’re already aware that you have a septic system. If you are not sure, here are some tell-tale symptoms that you most likely are:

  • You make use of well water. In your home, the water pipe that brings water into the house does not have a meter. In the case of a water bill or a property tax bill, you will see “$0.00 Sewer Amount Charged.” It is possible that your neighbors have a septic system

How to find your septic system

You can locate your septic system once you have confirmed that you have one by following these steps:

  • Taking a look at the “as constructed” drawing of your house
  • Making a visual inspection of your yard for lids and manhole covers
  • Getting in touch with a septic system service provider for assistance in locating it

Failure symptoms: Mind the signs!

A bad odor is not necessarily the first indicator of a septic system that is failing to work properly. Any of the following signs should prompt you to seek expert assistance:

  • Water backing up into the drains of homes and businesses
  • It is especially noticeable in dry weather that the drainfield grass is bright green and spongy. The presence of standing water or muddy soil near your septic system or in your basement
  • A strong stench emanating from the area surrounding the septic tank and drainfield

The Absolute Truth About Septic Tank Additives: They Don’t Work

On-site waste water treatment systems, often known as septic systems, are required by many property owners in the United States in order to handle organic waste water generated on their land. According to estimates, between one-quarter and one-third of all waste water is handled via septic systems installed by private property owners on their properties. Due to the fact that these systems are underground, they are frequently overlooked. However, when issues arise, homeowners are reminded of the high cost of maintaining their asset.

It is unfortunate that many believe the hype from television advertising for vendors of septic system additives who promise that their solutions would revitalize and maintain the free flow of septic systems while also prolonging the period between septic tank pumping.

In reality, research undertaken by Kansas State University, the Agricultural Experiment Station, and the Cooperative Extension Service discovered that the contrary was true.

“.do not use septic tank additives,” they advise (these do not help and sometimes can be harmful to your system.) ” 3You might spend days searching the Internet for a single scientific research that finds that any septic tank additive is effective, but you would never find one.

In reality, the majority of studies has found that septic tank additives are detrimental to septic tank systems, rather than beneficial.

They assert that the bacteria are required to aid in the dissolution of trash.

Waste generated by humans provides an abundant supply of bacteria to the septic tank, which allows the septic tank to break down waste more effectively.

According to research conducted by Purdue University 4 and Baylor University 5, the installation of an aeration system to a septic tank enhanced the overall performance of the system and reduced the likelihood of early septic system failure.

Only regulated aeration of a septic tank is capable of transforming the system from an anaerobic to an aerobic state.

This conversion has shown to be a very useful instrument in the treatment of wastewater by septic tank systems, as well as in the rehabilitation of failed or failing septic systems. 12345

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