The Ultimate Guide on What to Put in Your Septic Tank to Keep It Clean

Hey there! As a home improvement expert who has installed dozens of septic systems over my career, I want to share everything I‘ve learned about keeping your septic tank in tip-top shape. A well-maintained septic tank is crucial for protecting your home‘s plumbing and the environment. Read on for my in-depth guide on what to add to your septic tank and how often for optimal performance.

Why Septic Tank Maintenance Matters

Let‘s start with the basics: why is septic tank maintenance so important in the first place?

How a Septic System Works

Septic tanks are underground containers, usually constructed of concrete, fiberglass or polyethylene, that hold wastewater from your sinks, showers, washing machine, and toilets. Here‘s how it works:

• Wastewater flows into the main tank chamber where solids sink to the bottom as sludge while fats and oils float to the top as scum.
• Baffles inside the tank prevent sludge and scum from leaving the tank.
• Liquid wastewater sits between the sludge and scum layers before exiting the tank to the drain field.
• Drain pipes distribute the liquid throughout perforated pipes buried in the drain field.
• The liquid percolates down through the soil, which naturally filters out viruses, bacteria, and nutrients.

What Happens When Septic Tanks Fail

If too much sludge and scum accumulates in the tank, it can overflow into the drain field and clog the system. This leads to:

• Sewage backups into the home – gross and expensive!
• Surface pooling of wastewater – major health hazard
• Contamination of groundwater – environmental damage

According to the EPA, more than 85% of all septic tank failures are preventable through regular maintenance. Don‘t let your septic system turn into a nightmare – a little effort goes a long way!

Septic Tank Additives: Your Maintenance All-Stars

So how do you keep your septic tank in working order? That‘s where additives come in! Think of these products as power-ups for your septic system. Let‘s explore the main types available:

Biological Additives

My personal favorites! Biological additives contain helpful bacteria, enzymes, yeasts or fungi that:

• Break down sludge, fats, oils, grease, toilet paper, and organic solids.
• Prevent clogging and backups.
• Reduce odors.

Examples: RID-X, SeptiCleanse, yeast packets

Chemical Additives

While effective, these should be used carefully according to label directions:

• Acids dissolve sludge buildup
• Caustics help liquefy solids
• Odor control chemicals eliminate nasty smells
• May damage tank at high doses

Mechanical Additives

These work physically to churn up solids:

• Pumping aids loosen sludge before pumping
• Degreasers dissolve fats and grease

I suggest starting with biological additives first before trying harsher chemical ones, especially if you have an older concrete tank.

How Often Do You Use Septic Additives?

Generally, septic professionals recommend treating your tank every 3-6 months. But consider these factors to determine the right frequency for your household:

• Tank size – bigger may need less frequent dosing
• Household size – more people means more waste
• Tank age – older tanks need more additives
• Tank material – concrete needs more maintenance
• Additive type – biologicals may need frequent replenishment

Let‘s look at some real-world examples:

• A family of 4 with a 1,200 gallon concrete tank -> treat every 2-3 months
• Retiree couple with a new 1,500 gallon plastic tank -> treat every 4-6 months

See what I mean? Every situation is different. Get to know your tank and tweak as needed. When in doubt, call a septic pro for advice.

My Top Septic Additive Picks

With so many products out there, how do you choose? Based on my professional experience, here are my can‘t-miss recommendations:

1. RID-X Septic Tank System Treatment

• Powerful enzymes and billions of bacteria
• Breaks down toilet paper, fats, oils, grease
• Prevents clogs and backups
• Affordable price, trusted brand
• Use monthly

2. Green Gobbler Bio Drain Gel

• Contains natural enzymes and bacteria
• Also cleans pipes and fights odors
• Thick gel formula sticks to sides of tank
• Safe for all septic systems
• Apply every 2-3 months

3. ZeoSeal Septic Tank Deodorizer

• Zeolite minerals trap nasty waste gases
• Eliminates septic system odors
• Helps accelerate breakdown of solids
• Just toss one pack per month down toilet

Give any of those a try and your septic tank will thank you!

What Should Never Go in Your Septic Tank?

Now that we‘ve covered what TO add to your tank, let‘s talk about what to keep out. Avoid putting these down any drain leading to your septic system:

• Fats, oils, grease – coat pipes and damage bacteria
• Chemical cleaners – can kill helpful bacteria
• Cigarette butts – packed with toxins
• Coffee grounds – won‘t break down easily
• Paper towels, wipes, tissues – won‘t dissolve
• Tampons, condoms, diapers – can clog pipes
• Pesticides, chemicals, fuels – very toxic!
• Excess bleach – harms microbial life

Remember – your septic system relies on a delicate balance of living organisms. Disrupt them at your peril!

Early Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Help

Call in the pros immediately if you see any of these red flags:

• Slow drains or backed-up sinks/tubs
• Gurgling sounds from pipes
• Plumbing leaks or wet spots around tank
• Foul sewage odors outside
• Bright green grass over drain field
• Pooling water or muddy soil over drain field
• Having to pump more than twice a year

Waiting too long can cause expensive damage. At the first sign of trouble, use additives and call a septic company to be safe.

How Often Should You Pump Your Septic Tank?

Regular pumping removes excess solids before they can clog up the works. The general rule of thumb:

• Pump every 3-5 years for a typical household
• Pump more often if you have:
  • Smaller tank
  • Garbage disposal
  • Low water usage
  • Large household
  • Don‘t use additives

Additives allow you to safely go longer between pumpings. But periodic pumping is still important!

11 Tips to Maximize Your Septic System Lifespan

Here are my pro tips for keeping your septic system flowing for decades:

• Inspect annually and pump every 3-5 years
• Only use septic-safe soaps and detergents
• Reduce water usage to avoid overwhelming tank
• Never flush anything besides waste/toilet paper
• Keep vehicles away from system parts
• Divert rainwater runoff away from drain field
• Only plant grass over and near drain field
• Use bacterial additives monthly
• Fix leaks ASAP so tank doesn‘t overfill
• Install risers for easier access to manholes
• Call a septic pro at any sign of trouble

Follow those guidelines and your septic system will serve your home faithfully for generations! Let me know if you have any other septic care questions. Happy maintaining!