Do Septic Biological Additives Work?

The key to a healthy septic system is a tank that breaks down waste solids efficiently. Bacteria and enzymes that feed on solid waste should flourish in your septic tank to limit the solids retained in the tank. There are many septic additives that are sold in retail stores that claim to help improve this process, especially those that are biological and contain bacteria and enzymes. But do these additives work and are they worth the investment?

What Biological Additives Can and Cannot Do

Septic biological additives are meant to boost the number of bacteria and enzymes in your septic tank. Often, it is recommended they be added right after your septic tank is pumped and then periodically throughout the year. The idea is to increase the bacteria that feed on solid waste to reduce how often you need your septic tank pumped.

Do these additives work? Biological additives will not harm your septic system and can boost the bacteria in your tank. This can help maintain a healthy septic tank that is effective at breaking down waste. However, the number of bacteria and enzymes in the over-the-counter products you put in your toilet and flush down is very small in comparison to what is probably already in your septic tank.

Septic biological additives are just a boost. The best way to protect your septic tank is by avoiding putting chemicals down the drain that can kill the bacteria and following the recommended maintenance by your septic service. While there is no harm in using biological additives, you may want to discuss the best options for maintaining an efficient septic tank with your local septic professional.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

Why is There Sewage in My Tub?

Have you noticed your tub gets dirty almost on a daily basis? Or worse, you see sewage bubbling up the drain into your tub or shower? If the bathtub in question is on the lowest level of your home, you could have a sewer line or septic problem. The lowest drain in the home is often a bathtub or shower since it is located near the floor. When waste water is coming up the drain, it is a sign of bigger issues with your waste system.

How Sewer Lines Work

Most homes have a gravity sewer line system. This means all waste and water that goes down the drains in your home are not pumped but rely on gravity. All waste flows through the plumbing to the lowest level of the home and exits out the main sewer line. However, if there are blockages, waste water will go to the lowest exit available, often up a tub or shower drain on the lowest level.

If you flush a toilet in the home or run the washer and waste comes up your bathtub drain, it is likely you have a blockage in your sewer line. It could be a partial clog that only lets some water go by slowly, causing the rest of the water to backup into the lowest drain of the house. Major clogs do not fix themselves; most likely it will continue to get worse until the entire sewer line is blocked.

If you have sewage coming up into a low drain in your home like a bathtub or shower, call your local plumber or sewer service company. They can inspect your sewer line and/or septic system to find the problem and offer solutions to resolve the issue.

Posted on behalf of:
Metro Septic LLC
1210 N Tennessee St
Cartersville, GA 30120
(678) 873-7934

Importance of a Comprehensive Septic Inspection

When it comes time to buy or sell a home, there are many factors to consider. If the home in question has a septic system, ensuring the system is working correctly is important to both buyers and sellers. A problem with the septic system can stall the sale process. Scheduling a comprehensive septic system inspection should be on the top of the list for both buyers and sellers during a home sale transaction.

The septic system is one of the most expensive and necessary components of a home. No one wants to buy a home and find out after the sale is complete that there are major problems. A new septic system can cost tens of thousands of dollars to install. Septic inspections are vital and required in most areas before a home sale can be completed.

Finding a Dependable Septic Inspector

Even if a seller has had a septic inspection performed, it can be worth the investment for buyers to have their own inspection performed. Buyers need to know if there are any issues with a septic system that could cost them substantial repairs in the near future. Hiring a qualified septic inspector is a wise investment. Some qualifications to look for include:

  • Licensed and insured
  • Excellent reputation in the local area for honesty and integrity
  • Thorough inspection of all major septic system components
  • Knowledgeable inspectors that have years of experience

Septic system problems should be resolved before any home sale. If you are buying or selling a home, schedule a septic inspection to ensure there are no issues that could stop the sale process. Find a local septic company that has an excellent reputation to perform the needed inspection to ensure the system is up to local codes.

Posted on behalf of:
Septic Service Pro, LLC
Peachtree Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30334
(678) 292-8728