Septic bacteria - RidX versus others?

Question

Just bought a home with a septic system. Obviously, I know that the bacteria level in the system has to be maintained, but what I'm wondering is if the household brand RidX is any better, the same, or worse than other brands that you can buy via the web? All they all pretty much the same or is there a preference that anyone has? Any stories behind your preferences?

Answer 1

those bacterial additives for septics are a waste of money, there are more than enough bacteria being added every day from fecal matter, etc. to keep the system going. don't believe the ones that tell you you will never have to pump the tank if you use their product. the main thing with septics is to make absolutely sure that your toilets and faucets aren't leaking. a leaking toilet can push 1000 gallons of water a day into your septic. if your septic is getting too much water coming in, there isn't enough time for the solids to settle out and be digested, and they will be flushed out into your drainfield instead, and will clog it up in a short amount of time. you should have the tank pumped about every three years, more often if you use a garbage disposal. and of course, don't flush anything down the toilet such as cigarette butts, candy wrappers, and anything else that won't break down.

Answer 2

Dry active yeast, the same thing you use to bake bread with, is the same thing as rid x and other brands of septic tank additives. And it all depends on your personnel use as to if and when you need to use it. ErasmusBDragen gave you some good advise as to care of your septic system, but the main problems with todays septic systems are the use of bleach in the laundry, anti bacterial soap used to wash dishes and in most bath soaps, etc. All these kill bacteria and continue to kill them in the septic tank. So it really don't make sense to use any product that adds bacteria to the system then use an anti bacterial soap or bleach and kill them.

Bottom line....use the system wisely and have it pumped every couple of years before problem arise.

Answer 3

We had a new septic system put in about 10 years ago. My husband asked the contractor the same question and he told us these products were a big waste of money. He said just to add about a half cup of baking soda twice a year and that would keep it working. This is what most of these products contain but a much higher price. We had our system pumped out a couple of years ago now and it was no where near full.

Answer 4

If you use your septic tank in a normal manner you shouldn't have to use anything in it. In all my experience and, speaking with more then several people on it, these things are a waste of money.
The bacteria in the tank will always be on a certain level weather you put anything into it or not.

You can kill the bacteria by putting in paint, paint cleaners, stuff like this. Don't be surprised, people do these foolish things.

Answer 5

it may be a waste, but it won't hurt, either.... and if it makes you feel like you're doing something good for your system, go ahead and drop in a package once in a great while..... I do... my system is very good, I have a sink disposal that I use with caution, I also add a chicken skin there occasionally.... but maybe once in six months or so, I'll put in some RidX as well.... guilty, I use Clorox and have cleaned out paint brushes (latex) in my kitchen sink.... but no anti bacterials...