Do Septic Biological Additives Work?

February 10th, 2020 Posted in Septic System
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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

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Should I Be Using Additives For My Septic System?

October 24th, 2014 Posted in Septic Tank Pumping
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There are thousands of products sold in retail stores for septic tanks. While the makers of these products or additives claim they are needed or at least beneficial, there are experts who report that they can do more harm than good. Before spending money on any additive claiming to improve your septic system, fix problems or reduce pumping, make sure you understand how your septic system works.

Bacteria And Enzyme Additives

A popular type of additive for septic systems sold in home improvement and hardware stores are biological options for proper bacteria levels. These additives are often called septic treatments, rejuvenators, cleaners or restorers.  While it is true that bacteria and enzymes are an important part of your septic system’s balance, they are naturally occurring. If maintained, most septic systems do not need additives to keep the bacteria levels intact.

Many of these companies claim these products will replace bacteria killed by cleaning chemicals, prescription drugs and other agents lethal to your septic system’s vital bacteria. While it is true that chemicals can disturb the bacterial balance in your septic tank, many of these products are not proven to improve the balance. Also, some of these companies claim that adding these bacteria will reduce the need for frequent septic tank pumping. Most of these claims are unsubstantiated.

Although many of these additives will not hurt your septic, they may not be helping it either. You may be literally dumping money down the toilet for no reason. The money is better spent on obtaining regular maintenance from a professional septic service company, which will keep your septic working properly. They can test your bacteria levels and address any problems as needed, plus inspect your entire system.

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Septic Tank Additives

March 6th, 2011 Posted in Septic System
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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.

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