3 Reasons You Should Avoid Using Septic Tank Additives

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Septic tank additives are chemicals that claim to help break waste down in your septic tank, reducing the frequency in which you need to have your septic tank pumped and cleaned. Since having your septic tank pumped and cleaned may be pricey, it can be enticing to try out these relatively inexpensive additives and reduce the frequency in which you need to maintain and pay for septic services. However, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Many experts believe that septic tank additives are more harmful than they are helpful. Here are three of the reasons why you should avoid using septic tank additives. 

1. Additives Can Be Corrosive to Your Septic Tank

One of the top reasons why you should avoid using septic tank additives is because additives contain chemicals that can be corrosive to the pipes that lead into your septic tank and to the tank itself. Ultimately, this can eat away at the pipes and the tank, shortening their lifespan and causing them to crack or become damaged. While it may be pricey to pump a septic tank, that cost is low compared to replacing your septic system and tank. As such, you want to do what you can to preserve the lifespan of your tank, not diminish it. 

2. Additives Can Kill Good Bacteria In Your Tank

The second reason why you will want to avoid using septic tank additives is because many of the chemicals found in these additives can kill the good bacteria in your septic tank. The bacteria that is needed to break down waste in a septic tank is naturally found in human feces. This bacteria grows within the tank, naturally breaking down the waste that enters the tank. But if you kill the bacteria, waste may not be naturally eliminated. 

3. Additives Can Be Bad for the Soil in Your Drain Field

The third reason why you should avoid using septic tank additives is because the additives eventually make their way out of the septic tank and into your drain field. From there, it can seep through your soil and into surrounding soil and water ways. This can be bad for the environment. 

The best way to decrease the frequency in which you need your septic tank pumped is to use products that are safe for your septic system, such as septic-safe toilet paper, soaps and cleaning products. This helps to ensure the good bacteria in your tank thrive so they can eat away at the tank. If you are having issues and need help maintaining the balance in your tank, talk to a septic service about using biological compounds, such as yeast, enzymes, and bacteria instead of septic tank additives. 

Contact a company like Jarrach Cesspools for more information and assistance. 

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8 April 2018

Learning About Septic System Care and Usage

Hi there, I am Wes Nelson. When I lived in my first home, I discovered the plumbing connected directly to a septic system on the land. The septic system consisted of a tank, lines and leach field that processed the waste. I had to quickly learn how the septic system worked to keep it in good shape. I had to pay close attention to the substances I sent down the drains or flushed down the toilet. I did not want to disrupt the colonies of bacteria hard at work processing the waste products. On this site, I would like to help others keep their septic system in good working order by sharing the information I discovered. Please visit again soon.