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Do septic tank additives do more harm than good?
The septic industry is constantly debating the beneficial effects of septic tank additives. Many septic additives companies have come into the market in the last few decades, promising to restore a failing system but failing to do so.
The simple fact is septic tanks are designed to take care of waste disposal on their own — no additives needed. With regular septic tank pumping and inspections, a septic system should last decades. To understand why a septic system does not need additives, you must first understand how a septic tank functions.
How septic tank systems work
The septic tank is essentially a holding tank that provides the first step in a treatment process for solids and wastewater coming from the home. The main functions of a septic tank include receiving all wastewater and solids, letting the solids and wastewater separate with the help of microorganisms and then extracting the clear effluent layer for the drainfield to purify.
This process begins with the separation of wastewater and solids when it enters the tank and breaks into three layers. The first layer is a fat or grease layer, the middle layer is clear wastewater known as effluent and the bottom layer is solid waste.
The microorganisms that live in a septic tank are anaerobic bacteria, meaning they live without air, and are added naturally to a tank from waste sent down the drain. Their primary function is to help separate and break down the solids in the tank. However, regular pumping is always necessary to extract the buildup of solids from the tank.
What septic tank additives do
Any additives, such as drain cleaners, disinfectants or bleach, can kill off all of the healthy bacteria in the tank and put the septic system in jeopardy, according to a study by the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. The study also found that water softeners not only killed microorganisms in the tank but also interfered with solids settling in the tank, putting the system at greater risk of failure.
Septic tank additives actually cause enough system failures that the state of Washington has banned their use entirely.
Septic system additive myths persist
Many hold outdated beliefs about septic tank additives that have been debunked. One is the supposed benefit of adding yeast. According to septic expert Dr. John Winneberger, adding yeast to your tank is only beneficial if “you eat it first.”
Another common belief is that adding a recently killed chicken can help save a failing septic system. While we don’t encourage readers to go to this length, we believe the addition of the healthy bacteria from the chicken could have been a factor in this belief.
In most cases, staying healthy and introducing waste naturally to the system are the best ways to increase healthy bacteria into the tank.
Why septic tank additives are harmful
Many septic tank additives include corrosive matter, such as sulfuric acid, which can harm not only the bacteria but also the structural integrity of your tank and pipes. Several additives advertising they help control odor can contain formaldehyde, quaternary ammonium and zinc sulfate, which can act as a biocide, poisoning the system and its bacteria.
Finally, some additives containing heavy amounts of everyday products, such as hydrogen peroxide, might not harm the bacteria in the tank but could hurt the soil in the drainfield. This would cause the purification process of wastewater in the drainfield to be less effective.
Avoid septic tank additives
No septic tank additive will work better than a septic tank’s natural function and use of healthy bacteria. No product will allow a homeowner to escape regular septic tank pumping and inspections. In fact, some additives can harm the system and cause septic system failure, which will then require replacement.
If you have a question about a certain additive or want more information, we recommend calling your state government office that regulates wastewater and septic systems.
Have you experienced problems with septic system additives? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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