The idea of saving money on septic tank maintenance is attractive. For this reason, the promises made by septic tank additives tempt many homeowners to try them. Many homeowners try using them with the hopes that they will extend the longevity of their septic systems. These products claim that your septic system will be healthier and last longer. They also claim that you won’t have to pump your tank as often. These promises sound great, but are they true and do septic tank additives actually work?
Your septic system is designed to break down the solids in your tank with natural bacteria. However, these solids will still collect over time, making septic tank pumping necessary and inevitable. There are no products that can eliminate this need or change the normal processes of your septic system.
In addition to their ineffectiveness, many of these additives can actually harm your septic system. Some of the chemicals in additives can contaminate the groundwater. Other chemicals can actually corrode the tank itself, leading to leaks and waste seepage.
When you add outside chemicals to your septic system, they will typically interfere with the natural processes in your septic tank. They can destroy these natural breakdown processes. When the solids in your septic tank are not properly broken down, waste can seep into your drain field, clogging it or leading to drain field failure. In some cases, this waste can even back up into your drains, leading to foul odors in your home.
In conclusion, these additives will not improve any processes of your septic system nor will they extend the lifespan of your septic system. Instead, they will be completely ineffective and often damaging to your septic system. When you perform proper maintenance on your septic system, you will ensure optimal functionality and avoid the need for any additional intervention.
