When a septic system fails or starts exhibiting signs of impending failure, many people start looking for an easy solution. This is entirely understandable since repairing or replacing a failed septic system can be very expensive. It is tempting to believe the advertisements for various miracle chemicals and other additives that purport to cure your septic system’s problems. Even when the septic system is working fine, misinformation has led many well meaning people to put various chemicals or additives into their septic system in the belief that it will help keep the system working well.
The reality is that there is no magic solution for a failed septic system and there is no independent verification that any additives or chemicals will help a septic system work any better. In fact, putting anything into a septic system other than human waste and normal wastewater will, at best, have no effect on the system and more likely can cause damage to the septic system.
Septic systems are designed to work using gravity and the biological action of naturally occurring microscopic organisms. No additives are necessary. In fact, many additives can cause the effluent in the tank to become stirred up or to hold more solid material in suspension. When this happens, the solid material flows out into the leach field and clogs it up. Chemical additives, yeast, baking soda, and other additives do not help your septic system and can be harmful to the system.
The best way to keep a septic system healthy and working well is to have it regularly inspected and pumped out. An inspection every two to three years and septic tank pumping every three to five years is an effective way to keep a septic system in good working order.
