Does adding ridx to a septic tank every month really make a difference?

Answer 1

Please be warned that I am going to get 55 or 60 thumbs down for this. But I've tried many different bacterias for my septic tank.

I've tested them two different ways. One way is to put some warm water in a bowl and drop in a piece of meat, or food and some of the bacteria.

Another way is to put a tablespoon or two of the bacteria in the toilet bowl after you have had a bowel movement. You let the poo and the bacteria sit in the bowl.

If the bacteria is working you should see some action during either of the tests. There should be foaming, bubbling, or some type of reaction.

Most of the bacteria I tested seemed to be dead and were lifeless in the testing. If nothing happens I surely wouldn't trust it to work in the septic tank. Now there is an off chance that with the bacteria already in the tank the stuff that seems dead might work. But that is a big chance to take for the money you have to spend.

The one I found that absolutely works is "Super Pack Bacteria" that many of the True Value Hardware Stores carry. It is expensive though. Probably twice as much as Ridex. But it worked for me and I would use it again.

I think I poured in the whole box of the bacteria. I really needed to recharge the septic tank after cleaning the drains so I wanted to get the tank back in order.

It would be interesting to see if you kept it for 6 months and used 1/6th of the box once per month if it would stay alive in the box for the 6 months.

One not to do thing is "don't pour grease" down the drain. The grease is what makes a scum layer at the top of the tank and that can block off the septic tank discharge pipe. That could take many years to happen, and probably would happen sooner or later but added grease would speed that up.

http://www.septiclearinc.com/product.html

Answer 2

Adding good bacteria to the tank helps it work properly. Watching what you put into the tank is better. Grease/oils and caustic household chemicals are the main cause of tank problems. I have never added anything to the two septic systems I have owned. The couple times I had a plumbing clog, I used an enzyme drain cleaner such as Draincare by Zep. They take a little longer to work but are safe for the tank.

Answer 3

I've never had to use it but my best friend did at her old house and she said it worked great and was highly recommended from her septic tank cleaning company.

Answer 4

I was told by the honey dipper (guys who clean septic tanks) it delays the costly service of emptying it by 50-60%. So far it worked.

Answer 5

sensible man is right,,better to watch what you put into your septic system,good answers I just wanted to add the fact that anti-bacterial soap is a big giant no-no for septic systems,it doesnt just kill the gunk on your hands it willl continue to killl off good bacteria in your system :)

Answer 6

Yes it does it puts a good bacteria in the system to eat bad bacteria and will keep the level down so it will not have to be pumped out as often and its less expensive then the latter

Answer 7

I don't add any thing to mine and it still works fine, but I've heard of cooking yeast also.