 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Many products are marketed with the promise that they can keep septic systems operating
properly or do away with the need to pump the tank periodically.
Additives come as either chemicals (strong acids or alkalis), or organic solvents. Biological
additives are cultures of harmless bacteria, plus waste-digesting enzymes, and sometimes
contain yeast cultures.
Although some manufacturers of additives have test data showing how their products
perform, there has been almost no independent testing of these products in full-sized
septic systems. The information that does exist does not show improved long-term
performance in systems where additives have been used. Additionally, the amount of
material added with each dose of product is very small compared to the biological material
already present and working in the tank.
Occasionally a system suffers an upset, when the septic tank bacteria are harmed or
destroyed. This can happen if the home is vacant for a long period and the tank receives
no fresh wastewater to feed the bacteria, or if strong cleaning agents are flushed down the
drain. After a few days of normal use, the biological system in the tank will re-establish
itself. In this situation the biological additives may help speed the recovery of the septic
tank.
Every septic tank needs to be pumped periodically. Although solids are broken
down they are not ever completely degraded. They are reduced to a smaller and simpler
form that accumulated over time and must be physically removed. No additive can do
away with this need.
Although in many cases biological additives offer no real benefit, they will cause no harm.
However, chemical additive should definitely be avoided because they are very harmful to
your system. Unlike "bad" bacteria and pathogens which can and will be neutralized,
chemicals will not, and will eventually contaminate the soil and groundwater.
Many of our customer ask if they should use an additive just after their tank has been
cleaned. Under normal circumstances the beneficial bacteria that is naturally present in
the septic tank will not have any problem sustaining itself even after the tank is pumped
out. Exceptions would be if a large amount of cleansers or other harmful chemicals were
introduced immediately following the pump out, a dramatic temperature change in the
newly introduced sewage, or if the system did not receive any new waste flows for an
extended period of time following the pump out. In this case, the addition of a biological
additive may help re-establish beneficial bacteria and enzyme growth.
properly or do away with the need to pump the tank periodically.
Additives come as either chemicals (strong acids or alkalis), or organic solvents. Biological
additives are cultures of harmless bacteria, plus waste-digesting enzymes, and sometimes
contain yeast cultures.
Although some manufacturers of additives have test data showing how their products
perform, there has been almost no independent testing of these products in full-sized
septic systems. The information that does exist does not show improved long-term
performance in systems where additives have been used. Additionally, the amount of
material added with each dose of product is very small compared to the biological material
already present and working in the tank.
Occasionally a system suffers an upset, when the septic tank bacteria are harmed or
destroyed. This can happen if the home is vacant for a long period and the tank receives
no fresh wastewater to feed the bacteria, or if strong cleaning agents are flushed down the
drain. After a few days of normal use, the biological system in the tank will re-establish
itself. In this situation the biological additives may help speed the recovery of the septic
tank.
Every septic tank needs to be pumped periodically. Although solids are broken
down they are not ever completely degraded. They are reduced to a smaller and simpler
form that accumulated over time and must be physically removed. No additive can do
away with this need.
Although in many cases biological additives offer no real benefit, they will cause no harm.
However, chemical additive should definitely be avoided because they are very harmful to
your system. Unlike "bad" bacteria and pathogens which can and will be neutralized,
chemicals will not, and will eventually contaminate the soil and groundwater.
Many of our customer ask if they should use an additive just after their tank has been
cleaned. Under normal circumstances the beneficial bacteria that is naturally present in
the septic tank will not have any problem sustaining itself even after the tank is pumped
out. Exceptions would be if a large amount of cleansers or other harmful chemicals were
introduced immediately following the pump out, a dramatic temperature change in the
newly introduced sewage, or if the system did not receive any new waste flows for an
extended period of time following the pump out. In this case, the addition of a biological
additive may help re-establish beneficial bacteria and enzyme growth.
We get many questions about septic tank additives. There is almost no limit to the number
of theories different people have regarding the effectiveness of adding a product to a
septic tank. This information is only our opinion based on what we have learned being in
the industry.
of theories different people have regarding the effectiveness of adding a product to a
septic tank. This information is only our opinion based on what we have learned being in
the industry.
| Septic Tank Additives |