Most properly functioning residential septic systems require little more than routine cleanings every 2-4 years. However, some homeowners intend to make their septic systems more efficient by using chemical additives, such as Rid-X, to give the help the bacteria in their tank do their magic. But great caution is needed with those additives, as they interfere with your system’s treatment process, and can put your entire septic system at risk of failure or in need of major repairs.
Septic System Basics
In a properly functioning septic system, wastewater from your house empties into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, allowing liquids to rise to the top before exiting through the outlet and filtering through the drain field to be purified and reabsorbed into the water table. The bacteria found in human waste works to decompose the solids in your septic tank, allowing them to settle into a layer of sludge. This layer needs to be pumped out of your system every 2-4 years. As long as a properly balanced environment is maintained the bacteria in your septic system can break down solids and slow the build up of sludge.
Your Septic System’s Ecosystem Can Be Disrupted By Addatives
Too much of a good thing can be bad. There are loads of products on the market for homeowners who are wanting to enhance the bacteria in their septic systems. They range from commercial additives like Rid-X to “organic” and “homemade” ideas such as packets of yeast and raw liver!
Remember! In a properly functioning bacterial environment, these additives have no positive effect on your system and can cause enough damage to ruin your entire septic system.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, not only are additives like Rid-X not recommended, they are proven to have a hazardous effect on your septic system’s waste treatment process. Rid-X, and similar addatives contain much stronger forms of enzymes than natural bacteria found in healthy septic systems and break solids down further than they normally would be. These particles can become so small they don’t settle to the bottom of your septic tank and actually make their way to your drain field. Soon, your drain field will become clogged and will need to be replaced at a cost between $15,000 – $25,000!
How to Care For the Bacteria in Your Septic System
To make sure your septic system is operating to its full potential, the best method is to be very careful about what you pour down your drain. Don’t substitute your toilet or sink like a trash can!
- Avoid dumping chemicals like bleach, paint thinners, pesticides, gasoline, and antifreeze into your system. They can kill the bacteria that works hard to keep your system functioning properly.
- Garbage disposals shouldn’t be used for a home with a septic system because organic solids can flood the system that the bacteria in the tank cannot break down.
- Never dispose of inorganic materials, like feminine hygiene products, kitty litter, cigarette butts, or paper towels in sinks or toilets.
- Be aware of how much water you’re putting into your system. Combine loads of laundry when possible, and only run your dishwasher when it’s full. Flooding your septic system with grey water (water from the washing machine, dishwasher, bathtubs, and showers) will interfere with the bacterial composition in your septic tank and saturate your drain field.
CURRY’S CAN KEEP YOUR SEPTIC SYSTEM RUNNING SMOOTHLY!
Curry’s has the experts, equipment, and know how to care for your system properly. From emergency repairs, to routine septic maintenance and installation, we’ll be here for you. Contact us to schedule your septic service today!
