How Do Septic Tank Treatments Help Your Septic System?

Your septic system is important because it relies on bacteria to break down solids and to help prevent them from filling up the tank too quickly.  There are many septic tank treatments available that claim to help this process. The best way to use them? Homeowners introduce them to the septic system by putting them down the drain or toilet on a regular basis.

Are they safe?

For the most part, the answer is yes. This is true as long as the products come from reputable septic service providers, or are recommended by them.

Read on to find out more about these septic tank treatments and what they can do for your home’s system. 

Types of Septic Tank Treatments

A few types of septic tank maintenance products include:

• Solid reducing additives:  These work to reduce solids suspended in the tank’s effluent. The additives encourage clumping before solids settle down to the sludge layer.
• Biological additives: These usually include bacteria and enzymes to help promote the naturally occurring bacteria in your septic tank. This also reduces the volume of solids in the tank at any given time. 
• Odor control additives:  Some odor control additives claim to control a septic tank’s odor by killing bacteria. This is great, but it can counter the natural function of your septic system.  Other additives may use more pleasant smells to cover septic odors without disrupting the bacteria colonies.

How effective are these septic tank maintenance products?

Some types of septic tank maintenance products are more effective than others. 

Large amounts of solid reducing additives will encourage clumping in tanks.  However, they are usually unnecessary. Solids in a properly sized tank will settle without needing the additive.

A biological septic tank treatment that includes bacteria and enzymes might be the most useful type. Although the bacteria necessary for your septic system to function are abundantly present in human waste, these additives may help the natural bacteria work more efficiently. This keeps things running smoothly within the septic tank. 

This also means that more solids break down into gas and soluble compounds. This makes it so that waste does not build up in your tank as quickly. Another result of this?  Fewer instances where there are issues that might potentially lead to the need for septic tank services.

If your septic system regularly has a very bad odor, there may be a problem within your septic system. 

Instead of relying on an odor control additive, you should hire professional septic tank maintenance providers. These professionals will be able to find the source of the problem. Another perk? They can have it fixed as soon as possible. 

If you are just looking to cover up the occasional weak smell normal for a septic system, avoid odor control additives that kill bacteria.  Many options are available that will not disrupt the health of the system.

Septic tank maintenance is still necessary

If you are looking to improve the function of the bacteria present in your septic system, choose an additive that includes bacteria and enzymes. One option also features a fresh, clean scent and is called Fresh Lemon Blue. This product can help a ton – and smell great, too.

However, there are still some important things to remember when considering septic tank maintenance products:

• They will not fix an already failing system:  If there is damage to the components of your septic system, additives are not a quick fix.  Waiting longer to get your system fixed can make problems worse. In this case, the costs typically climb, too.
• You still need regular septic tank services:  Most septic tank service providers recommend that septic tanks are pumped every 3-5 years.  While some additives may help your system work more efficiently, pumping the tank every few years is still necessary. Regular maintenance can help stop problems before they begin.
• Avoid harsh chemicals:  Yes, additives that include harsh chemicals kill bacteria colonies. Unfortunately, they can also pollute groundwater.  Choose additives that are recommended by professional septic tank service providers. These are sure to give you the best results.