InspectAPedia®   -   Search InspectApedia

Roebic septic tank treatment for sale at a building supply store (C) InspectApedia.comSeptic Tank & Drainfield Treatment FAQs

Q & A on effectiveness, need, & safety of septic tank & drainfield treatments, chemicals restorers

Septic tank maintenance FAQs:

This article reports questions and answers about the need for and effectiveness of septic tank treatments and additives to "keep a healthy septic tank" or to "restore a failed drainfield".

This article series discusses the need, choices, and use of septic chemicals or bacterial or other septic tank additives, septic system restorers, and septic tank treatments for septic systems. We cite expert sources all of whom advise against the use of septic treatments, additives, restorers and the like.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

- Daniel Friedman, Publisher/Editor/Author - See WHO ARE WE?

Septic tank treatments, additives, enzymes, restorers: questions & answers

Septic treatment chemicals (C) Daniel FriedmanThese questions and answers about the benefits or harm of septic tank treatments or additives were posted originally

at SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS - please be sure to review the authoritative information given there.

Bottom line on septic treatments

Septic tank treatments and additives are not necessary for conventional septic tanks & absorption fields, some can contaminate the environment, others can destroy a septic drainfield or soakbed, none will repair a failed drainfield, and such products are at best usless and at worst harmful.

This is the view of all of the septic system authorities we've found and are the views of most engineers and sanitation professionals. Those expert sources are cited here.

Exceptions to the generally-true "use no septic treatments" can arise however for some advanced-design septic systems such as some aerobic or biologically-accelerated treatment (BAT) septic system designs.

See SEPTIC TANK BACTERIA BOOST

Types of septic system treatments and restorers, their use and effects are addressed here. Our page top photograph shows a collection of septic system additives, chemicals, cleaners, root killers, etc. for sale at a building supply store.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

InspectAPedia is an independent publisher of building, environmental, and forensic inspection, diagnosis, and repair information provided free to the public - we have no business nor financial connection with any manufacturer or service provider discussed at our website.

Road salt entering ground water has impact on septic systems

Road salts in our area are entering the ground waters at ever-increasing rates.

Currently the raw water from our well intermittently tests at around 800 mg/L for sodium and 1,300 mg/L for chloride. I am very concerned and looking for authoritative conclusion regarding the corrosive impact to the concrete of the tank, the impact to the bio matte in the tank and fields.

and the effect of sodium laden water raising the sludge level. I'm in the northeast USA. Can you help with this? Thanks very much, Pete (Peter@sg-ct.com) On 2019-03-09 by Peter

Suggestions by (mod) - effect of salt on septic systems

You will find our citations on the effect of salt on septic systems in the references sections of the articles in this series.

The effect of groundwater salt on the concrete of a septic tank is going to be much more difficult to find. It's more doubtful question.

Apologies to readers for prior typos - happens when we are away from a computer and try dictating text to our phone.

See also

REDUCE IMPACT of SOFTENER on SEPTIC

Which chemical should I be using to clean the septic tank?

Sir I want to know that, by which chemical using for clean the saptic tank (full of water and latrines) On 2019-01-08 by J.p. goal

by (mod) - None

JP

NO chemical nor treatment whatsoever is needed nor should be used to clean a septic tank.

Rather the septic tank is pumped to remove solids, scum, sludge and wastewater on a schedule based on tank size and the level of usage or wastewater inflow rate.

See SEPTIC TANK PUMPING SCHEDULE

for details on deciding how often the septic tank should be cleaned.

After the tank is pumped, a thorough job can include washing down the tank interior with clean water - permitting inspection for any damage.

Do I need a bacteria booster addition to a graywater disposal system?

I am still in the active land seeking process, in the state of NewYork, but have been doing my research.

In an article entitled "Appendix 75-A Wastewater Treatment Standards - Residential Onsite Systems" I found, under composting toilets, the statement:

"Greywater systems shall be designed upon the flow of 75/gpd/bedroom [as opposed to 110/gpd/bedroom] and meet all the criteria previously discussed for the treatment of household wastewater.

This implies, to me, the inclusion of a septic tank etc..

Reference: APPENDIX 75-A WASTEWATER TREATMENT STANDARDS - RESIDENTIAL ONSITE SYSTEMS (Statutory Authority: Public Health Law, 201(1)(l)) - On 2018-05-22 by Fern

What if a composting toilet is used and a garbage disposal is not used, yet the state requires a complete septic system for grey water disposal?

Should bacteria boosters be added then since there is no human waste being added to the system? On 2018-05-19 by Fern Beard

by (mod) - greywater systems do not accept blackwater - no toilet waste

Not quite, Fern.

A graywater system means no sewage - no toilet waste.

But it is not necessary to add bacteria to a graywater disposal system (Casanova 2001).

Graywater or "greywater" disposal systems can be constructed using drywell techniques and without a septic tank.

See GREYWATER SYSTEMS - home https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Greywater_Systems.php

I assumed you meant no human waste rather than now human waste.

Tell me what your Board of Health says as well.

Generally for the typical wastewater that is diverted to a drywall, that is not blackwater or not sewage but rather water from a laundry sink, kitchen sink, bath shower or tub, bacterial inoculation of the drywell is not required.

So it would be instructive to know specifics of the requirements for graywater disposal where you live: what is the country, city, state or province - let's look at the actual regulation.

See also GREYWATER CODES & REGULATIONS https://inspectapedia.com/septic/Greywater-System-Codes.php

Supporting Research


They told me that buttermilk helps our septic tank work

I was told buttermilk would promote the health of our septic tank - On 2018-02-15 by Eastclintwood

by (mod) - Nonsense; wrong bacteria, not needed.

East

That is nonsense. Nothing in buttermilk would help a septic tank, nor is such help needed.

by SepticChemist - Other treatments are not necessary and some can be quite harmful and many are illegal in many jurisdictions.

I agree with the mod;

The bacteria inoculation of a septic tank occurs as soon as sewage enters that tank.

Other treatments are not necessary and some can be quite harmful and many are illegal in many jurisdictions.

The exception is that some aerobic septic systems and other specially-engineered septic treatment systems require use of disinfectants or other products.

But that is not true for a conventional septic tank and drainfield.


How do I use septic tank enzymes and bacteria treatment on clothing?

How would I use septic tank enzyme and bacteria treatment on clothing (mentioned in this website, but not "how to") Paula

by (mod) - you don't; do not use septic treatment products on clothing

Paula,

You wouldn't. Chemicals, enzymes, or bacterial additives sold as septic tank or drainfield treatments are not intended for use on clothing. Don't try it.

 

Aerobic system producing excessive sludge

Hi - Great article. I am having an issue with my aerobic system producing excessive sludge that is floating on top of my tank. House and system are 5 years old and I have already pumped the tank 8 times. Sludge reappears within 2 months of pumping.

We have adjusted the height of the pipe in the tank and have rebuilt the aeration unit. All contractors are stumped. What could cause so much sludge (bulked bacteria) to form?

Reply:

Mike I'm not sure what's going on either. I'm reluctant to suspect water chemistry and tend to suspect a design issue, presuming the usage and type of wastewater entering the system are normal. If it were a nursing home I'd suspect a problem with antibiotics.

Meanwhile, you might want to get a detailed description of the design specs for your system and then check what's actually installed against the manufacturer's recommendations.

Chances are if the aerobic equipment is working properly and the septic tank usage is within its design specs, you wouldn't have excessive sludge.

So it could be a pump problem, aerator problem, or other installation issue. It would help to have a guess at whether or not this is a new problem.

Keep me posted.

Really?: OK so there are some exceptions to the "no septic tank additives or treatments are needed" rule.

While septic tank chemicals, treatments, additives are both unnecessary and often prohibited for conventional septic tank & soakbed or leachfield systems, there are exceptions:

occasional treatments with a dry-pack (or wet pack) of beneficial bacteria may be recommended by the manufacturer / designer of BAT or biologically accelerated treatment septic systems and for some aerobic septic treatment systems that are left un-used for six months or longer.

That's because some septic designs continue to treat and remove bacteria during periods of dis-use.

But in an ordinary septic system the tank and its wastewater are not normally sanitized.

See BAT MEDIA SEPTIC PLANTS for an example of cases in which a septic design or manufacturer recommends the replenishment of septic tank bacteria formulated for use with aerobic or BAT (Biologically Accelerated Treatment) septic systems.

 

Can I use Arm and Hammer Laundry Perfume and dye free powder in a graywater lagoon?

I am trying to figure out if I can use Arm and Hammer Laundry perfume and dye free powder in a gray water lagoon.

The gray water system stays in a pond area and uses natural filters. This water only filters is never used again in watering or other uses. - Anonymous 10/20/11

Reply:

If you are asking about using A&H laundry products at normal household usage levels it should not harm the lagoon system.

If you are asking about using such products to somehow "treat" the lagoon system, that would not be appropriate.

Don't do it.

If the lagoon smells, something is wrong with its design, use, or operation and maintenance that needs correction. A cover up of deodorant would be a mistake and risks contaminating the environment.

 

Criteria for deciding when to add a bioculture to a septic tank treatment?

Is there any criteria for addition of bioculture in septic tank treatment? - S.D. 11/21/2013

Reply: no. It's not needed in normal septic systems.

As discussed in the article SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS, there is absolutely no need to add bioculture to a septic tank.

The best of these products do no harm, even though they are unnecessary and do not help. Worse, some such treatments are harmful, and in many jurisdictions, septic tank additives are illegal.

Normally, even after pumpout and cleaning, there is adequate bacteria starter in a septic tank for it to work properly.

Even in a brand new septic tank, the first flush of wastewater into the tank and drainfield initiates the procedure.

No septic tank additives are necessary. No expert, unbiased source, says otherwise.

At InspectApedia in our septic system articles in the References section you will see citations of authoritative sources. To be generous to the bioculture sales companies, there are indeed cases in which the septic tank bacterial colony may be harmed.

An example is a septic tank serving a nursing home. In some such cases, the high volume of antibiotics entering the septic tank can kill off the necessary tank bacteria.

However, in such cases, adding an after-market product such as a bioculture is futile. It too will be promptly killed off. A different wastewater processing design may be needed in such special cases.

A second example is the flushing of quantities of chemicals into the septic tank; (normal usages of laundry detergents and bleach are not an issue). In such cases the wastewater effluent becomes an environmental contaminant and tank bacteria may be harmed or killed off.

In this case as well, adding a bioculture is not a functional solution; rather, ceasing the improper disposal of chemicals into the septic tank is required. ​

Finally, there MAY be some packaged wastewater treatment system designs that require certain chemicals or preparations in regular maintenance, but this does not describe standard septic tank and drainfield installations nor aerobic septic systems.

 

Should I add caustic soda to the drywell?

After the septic tank and dry well were pumped and inspected the septic pumping company said to add 50 lbs. of caustic soda to the dry well.

While I do think they are incorrect, I cannot find 50 lb. bags to buy other than online and see there is a safety issue and possible other shipping problems/expenses.

Is this necessary and if so, is there an equivalent alternative product that can be easily obtained without shipping costs?(Apr 10, 2014) Anonymous

Reply: Additives for conventional septic tanks are not necessary, don't help, and are illegal in many jurisdictions.

Anon,

In the ARTICLE INDEX click on

SEPTIC DRAINFIELD RESTORERS?

I understand that pouring a toxic contaminating chemical down into a drywell might somewhat break down sludge therein but geez:

why would you contaminate the aquifer, possibly your own well, kill all bacteria within range (which of course ultimately means contaminate the environment further with sewage pathogens) and quite possibly violate the law.

Additives are not necessary, don't help, and are illegal in many jurisdictions.

Let me know what your local health department, water department, or building department say about this suggestion.

I wouldn't do it.

 

Do I need to replace the septic system if there roots in the pipes?

Every time I have my tank pumped the septic guys want to put a new system in Now the reason seems to be roots at the outlet and d box

Their answer was to replace the whole system. 3 different septic companies with 3 different opinions

They make these claims with out camera inspections I say become and educated consumer with articles like this If your tank is not cracked not leaking there is no need to replace Cleaning and maintenance are the key Dont be sucked into expensive repairs (May 18, 2014) Mimi

Reply: Using a root killer in the septic is not an effective long term solution

Mimi,

If a septic piping system has been invaded by roots, certainly that problem needs to be repaired. But if the septic tank itself is in good condition I don't understand the justification for replacing the tank as part of piping repair.

I agree with you.

However the root problem needs to be addressed. Simply using a power auger can remove roots from an otherwise "intact" sewer line. However one must consider how the roots got in the pipes in the first place. The roots have to find an opening.

If that opening is a broken or open joint the root blockage will recur, possibly sooner than you think.

Using a root killer is not an effective long term solution and itself may harm the environment. In that case the solution is to excavate and replace the open or damaged sewer line.

If root invasion is happening in the drainfield, where multiple lengths of perforated pipe are used, there are trees or other plants closer to the drainfield than they should be. In that case, when the drainfield is rebuilt, the trees or invasive plants also need to be removed.

 

Am I required to use a septic treatment every month?

We recently bought a 30 year old house that the previous owner had been using Septic Helper 2000 once a month.

I have continued to use it until the on hand supply ran out. I have heard that if you start using one of these biological aids that you needed to continue to use it in order to maintain the septic health. Is this true? (July 5, 2014) Troy

Reply: absolutely not

Troy, as we hope you'll read in the article SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS

No.

 

What's the iron removal treatment system impact on septic system

Can the regen cycle of iron filter skew septic inspection results: my septic was pumped only 2 yrs ago, with only 2 people in home, 1000 gal tank, built in 2005...maybe 4 hours after iron filter cycled, septic was inspected- report of septic says "low scum and high sludge layer, needs pumping"--I am wondering if the sludge was disturbed and hadn't had enough time to settle? (Aug 27, 2014) betty

Reply:

A single regeneration cycle of water treatment equipment would not give a dishonest impression of the septic absorption beds. If a failure showed up under that condition then the test discovered a current or imminent failure.

But if water treatment equipment were stuck in re-gen mode, indeed it could flood the septic drainfield.

A septic report saying low scum and high sludge, presuming measurements were actually made, would be to be trusted. The sludge layer does not include suspended solids.

 

Tried Roebic K57 Septic System Treatment Additive in D-box & Toilets - did not help

I have a 45 year old clogged drain field. I tried using Roebic K57 additive in both the distribution box and the toilets as recommended by the manufacturer and had no positive results. The 1000 gallon septic tank has been pumped twice in the last 8 weeks after the shower drain backed up and the toilets were bubbling.

The local septic company who pumped the tank said it's in good condition but the field is plugged.

They suggested jetting the drain field out and injecting the field with high pressure at several points to break up the bonding in the gravel bed. Cost would be $800. If that didn't work they said the drain field would need to be replaced. Cost $3100. I have heard that sodium percarbonate works but I need some input from you on your experience with it.

The recession killed us so money is tight and I need to know if there is a less expensive way to get the drain field operational again.

I'm in South Florida and the soil is sand. I am not the original owner of the house so I must presume that nothing has been done up to this point. (Mar 23, 2015) Bruce

Reply:

Thanks for the remarks and question, Bruce.

Indeed there is no septic tank additive for which I've been able to find scholarly research that supports the ability of a treatment chemical to repair a clogged, failed septic drainfield.

Other processes that attempt to aerate or pump styrofoam into the soil sound attractive and might give some relief but comments from our readers have not supported claims that even those approaches provide a long-term durable repair.

I suppose that the effectiveness of soil break-up restoration techniques may perform better in some soil types than others.

I would not use any chemical treatment not only for reasons we've already discussed but because harsh chemicals risk both environmental contamination and the kill-off of soil bactgeria that are needed for effective drainfield function.

Before digging up the whole field to replace it, it'd be nice if we could rule out a blockage due to a broken or collapsed pipe between tank and fields; Just where you are seeing effluent break-out in the drainfield area might suggest an answer.

It might be instructive to dig a clean cross-section of one of your drainfield trenches to get actual visual data of what's going on (send me some photos if you do this) and since most likely you need a new field system anyway, not much time or money would be wasted by taking a nice visual slice of the system first.

 

Is it safe for my septic tank and pipes to use Plumb Clean ?

Is it safe for my septic tank and pipes to use Plumb Clean to keep the sinks clear. Plumb Clean contains plumbenzymes and mycrobes.

Sorry, I made a mistake, the Plumb Clean contains Plurazyme enzyme blend and microbes. Again, would this be harmful to the septic tank if I use this in sinks on a reasonably regular basis - recommended 5 days in a row, then stop. I couldn't find an answer to this in the FAQ
Thank you (Apr 9, 2015) Wendy

Reply: enzyme drain cleaners won' tharm the septic system but ..,

Anon / Wendy:

Plumb Clean is an enzyme drain cleaner; it should not harm the septic tank. However in normal household it is not necessary to regularly add a drain cleaner / clearer to the plumbing system.

The system should drain properly without additives. If you find that you need to do so then there is a problem with your system that needs to be found and repaired.

 

What's causing a rotten egg smell when we turn the aerobic septic system pump on?

We are new to septic tanks and soakaways and we was told to put pump on every other day but every time we put pump on we get a smell of rotten eggs.

What are we doing wrong? Do we need it checked ? (May 27, 2015) Shirley

Reply:

Shirley I don't know what sort of pumping system you have, but if you are describing a sewage ejector pump to empty out a reservoir in a building or a septic effluent pump that is intended to move effluent up to a soakaway bed, both of those pumps are normally operated automatically by a float that senses the level of sewage in the holding tank. So it sounds as if your installation is defective or incomplete.

There should be no indoor odors. If there is one I'd be looking for a check valve problem or a venting problem or a leak.

See AEROBIC SEPTIC SYSTEMS, ATUs - home

Watch out: normally the aerator pump on an aerobic septic system is run continuously.

 

I need a chemical to dissolve floating scum layer in septic tank

I have septic tank but i has formed hard sludge coating on top about 10 inches so i need a chemical that can dissolve
that sludge but should not affect or kill the bacterial. (Aug 18, 2015) andrew

Reply: no, you don't

Andrew there is no such chemical or treatment that I can describe nor recommend, and in fact such additives or treatments are generally unnecessary, sometimes harmful, and are prohibited in many jurisdictions.

The floating scum layer is normally broken up and removed during septic tank pumping/cleaning. It sounds as if that is what you need.

Is there a septic additive to stop the greywater line from clogging

I just unclogged our grey water line 5 months ago and its plugged again. What can i do to prevent this every 5 months? It just washing machine and water from washing dishes that goes in the grey water line. (Oct 28, 2015) Christine

Reply: no, use a filter

SEPTIC FILTERS can address this problem.

 

Septic company says medications we take can kill off septic tank bacteria

Our septic has had to be pumped every 6 months recently, We don't put anything down we shouldn't. The company that pumped said that taking medication could kill off the good bacteria in the tank. Is that true? My wife and I are both taking medication. Could this cause a problem? 2015/11/06 Larry

Reply:

Having to pump a septic tank every 6 months does not fix an underlying problem of an under-sized or poorly designed system or more likely a failed drainfield;

it doesn't make sense to me unless you're using your system with a failed drainfield and treating it as a semi-holding tank; a septic tank at a typical home is re-filled in a few days after pumping; faster if groundwater is leaking into the tank; so it's not right that the septic tank should be kept below its normally-full level.

See a detailed answer to your question and supporting research found

at DRUGS INTO the SEPTIC TANK?


I'm using Rid-Ex in my drains that empty into a municipal sewer: is this helpful?

The basement in my two-family house has an ejector-pump vacating waste into the city sewer system. I'm currently using RID-EX to rid of the smell and static buildup of human waste. I'll appreciate your advice, whether this routine is the most beneficial. And is there a less-expensive additive, or a better approach? Thanks On 2012-09-18 by Deborah B.D.

Answer by (mod) - no

Deborah

I can't cite a single reason to ever put a septic tank additive into a municipal sewer system. No it is not beneficial. If there is a smell from your waste piping or sewer ejector ,the system should be examined and corrected/repaired.


Does lime help the breakdown of sewage in a cesspool? The walls fell in.

Does lime help to break down the walls in a cespool. My friend said to dump a 50 pound bag in. He said his friend did it and it ate the walls and his pit is working great. He also said he saw cracking in the side walls and after adding the lime the sides of the walls basicly fell in. This was concerning to me. On 2012-03-11 by lance

Reply by (mod) - No, and read this important safety warning

Lance: CESSPOOL FATALITY WARNINGS:

A cesspool is intended to treat the sewage it receives, discharging effluent into soils around the cesspool itself. While there is a sound argument that no cesspool adequately treats raw sewage and thus none is really sanitary, dumping lime into the cesspool is going to kill off cesspool bacteria, hastening its ruination and reducing still further its treatment of sewage. It would be a mistake. Your friend is mistaken and is likely to cost you plenty.

WATCH OUT: cracking in the cesspool sides is VERY VERY DANGEROUS _ risking a cesspool collapse. There have been fatalities from just that cause when someone fell into and was buried alive in a collapsing cesspool.

YOu should BLOCK OFF ALL ACCESS to the cesspool, cover it with 3/4" plywood or similar material, and make sure no one can fall in, while you wait for an experienced contractor to excavate, diagnose, and repair or replace the system.

...


ADVERTISEMENT


...

Continue reading  at SEPTIC TREATMENTS & CHEMICALS - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

SEPTIC TREATMENT FAQs at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to SEPTIC SYSTEMS

Or use the SEARCH BOX found below to Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Ask a Question or Search InspectApedia

Try the search box just below, or if you prefer, post a question or comment in the Comments box below and we will respond promptly.

Search the InspectApedia website

Note: appearance of your Comment below may be delayed: if your comment contains an image, photograph, web link, or text that looks to the software as if it might be a web link, your posting will appear after it has been approved by a moderator. Apologies for the delay.

Only one image can be added per comment but you can post as many comments, and therefore images, as you like.
You will not receive a notification when a response to your question has been posted.
Please bookmark this page to make it easy for you to check back for our response.

Comment Form is loading comments...

 

IF above you see "Comment Form is loading comments..." then COMMENT BOX - countable.ca / bawkbox.com IS NOT WORKING.

In any case you are welcome to send an email directly to us at InspectApedia.com at editor@inspectApedia.com

We'll reply to you directly. Please help us help you by noting, in your email, the URL of the InspectApedia page where you wanted to comment.

Citations & References

In addition to any citations in the article above, a full list is available on request.


ADVERTISEMENT