What additives that work do you use in your septic system and how often?

Answer 1

Rid-X is a good one. I've used it before. Just pour a box in your toilet and flush it down every couple of months. It keeps my septic tank from clogging up. You should really have it pumped out once every 4 or 5 years as a maintenance thing. Then you'll almost never have a problem.

Answer 2

A properly designed septic system does not require any additives! The natural bacteria shouldn't be altered as that's partly what contributes to it's efficiency.
They can however become saturated, particularly in very wet periods. This will require having them professionaly pumped. Bare in mind that if you wait too long, the surrounding water will find the void and refill the system, thus requiring a second pumping out.
Also, after many, many years field lines may become clogged due to hardened slug and need replacement.

Answer 3

If the system is properly cared for, you shouldn't need additives. Pouring grease/oil and harsh chemicals that kill the good bacteria are two major reasons for tank failure. If you need a chemical for clogged drainlines, use an enzyme cleaner such as Draincare by Zep. These type cleaners are not harmful to septic systems.

Answer 4

I was in Home Depot last year looking for Rid-X. There was a sales person nearby who asked what I was looking for, and told me they do not sell Rid-X, they sell Roebic. Roebic is a once a year LIQUID treatment. You pour the whole bottle in your toilet while flushing. Send in a postcard, provided with the bottle, and one year later, they will send it back to you as a reminder to do it again. Much easier than Rid-X and the liquid does not clog your toilet like the powder of Rid-X will. Cost is lower, too, and you don't have to buy six boxes a year like with Rid-X, only one bottle a year for Roebic. And if you pour grease down sinks, run hot water behind it while pouring the grease down, and also squirt some dish detergent to break it up. Let the hot water run a little longer than the grease to make sure it gets to the septic tank. And you MUST have your tank pumped every 2-3 years regardless of what you do; a professional told me this.

Answer 5

rid x once a month will help in breakdown of solids that would otherwise clog you're lattorals

Answer 6

actually i use plain old bread yeast to help with the natural bacterial action, it's a lot cheaper than the additives that you buy at the hardware stores. one packet a month seems to work just fine.