Do you want the best product to help you maintain your septic tank? If your home uses a septic system for wastewater treatment, you’ll benefit by maintaining it regularly.
This will help you avoid future problems, and may limit the need (and expense) for frequent professional septic pumping services.
Let’s discuss if septic tank treatments actually work, and then review the best products right here so you can get the most out of your septic tank system!
In this PlumbingNav review, we will cover:
The Best Septic Tank Treatment: Things to Know
Septic Tank Treatment: Best Practices
Do Septic Tank Treatments Actually Work?
Best Septic Tank Treatment Products Reviewed
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Product
Our Top Pick
Our Top Pick
TankTechsRx / Just Science Probiotic Septic System Treatment, 32 oz.
We love and use this product. It’s pretty amazing, and one of the best preventative septic system treatments on the market. (They don’t have a multi-million dollar advertising budget to be a household name.)
This product reduces solid waste and mineral build-up to liquid waste, and can even renew your drainage field using probiotics. This product can reduce the need for frequent and expensive pumpings, and also increase the efficiency of any septic tank.
This 32 oz. bottle treats a 1500-gallon tank for up to six months. *Note: They are changing the name from TankTechsRX to Just Science, so don’t be confused by this when ordering.
Septic tank treatments are a bit controversial. Why, you ask? Well, it’s a classic dilemma of bias.
First, professional septic tank pumping services make money pumping. If a septic tank treatment product prolongs the need for this activity, it directly affects their bottom line.
This doesn’t mean all companies are biased, dishonest, and only care about money. In fact, many professionals actually recommend using these treatments. However, they are in the business of getting paid when problems develop. See the challenge?
Second, the companies that sell septic tank treatment products get paid to promote them. Do you think they recommend using them? Well, they obviously benefit when you do.
And how often do you think they would like you to use (and buy) their treatment products? As often as you can. See the challenge?
So how do we resolve the bias and get to the truth? As with most things in life, the truth is found somewhere in the middle. You can find professional septic tank companies that actually do recommend certain products, and also tank treatment product manufacturers who also suggest limiting usage.
Who has the best opinion on septic tank treatment products?
The best people to ask are the owners of septic tanks who have also tried using the products. This means forming an opinion by pouring over customer reviews on various products, along with trying some of these products ourselves. (This writer has a septic tank!)
After much research, our position on septic tank treatments is this.
Many treatment products are beneficial for septic tanks. (But not all.)
You should use according to recommendations, but not excessively.
Reading customer reviews is the best verdict on effectiveness.
Keeping these in mind, we’ve compiled some helpful information on the topic as well as reviews of the best septic tank treatment products on the market.
Should I pump my septic tank or use a tank treatment product?
This is a very common question homeowners ask. You need to have the right expectations with any product you use, and this especially applies to probiotics and enzymes for septic tanks. It’s important to know what these products can do, and not do.
There is a simple rule of thumb as to whether or not you should expect a septic tank treatment to fix your problem, or if you should simply get it pumped and “start clean.”
Here is a quick video from the creator of Tank Techs RX / Just Science (our top pick product) about this question.
Do Septic Tank Treatments Actually Work?
Yes. Septic tank treatments work well. They are specifically designed for the task and help facilitate the natural processes behind how septic tanks work on their own. Of course, certain products may produce better results than others based on your system’s needs.
Most septic tank treatments use either probiotics or enzymes to accomplish the task of keeping the septic tank clean.
Check out this amazing story behind our #1 overall pick as the “best probiotic product” and listen for yourself. You’ll see why we like this product so much!
Probiotics don’t eat at materials like digestive enzymes. Instead, they eliminate bad bacteria to keep organic material levels as optimal as possible. Enzymes actually digest the material in the tank. This is very similar to the human body, actually. Both are required!
Additionally, you should always use products exactly as instructed. If you use too much treatment, it may throw off the bacteria numbers that keep the septic tank clean. This can be counterproductive, as it can break down solids (such as toilet paper products) and cause them to travel further down your system to the drain field where only water is supposed to go.
This is why you should limit most products to twice per year, or if more frequently, according to the labels instructions. Don’t go overboard! You won’t get more benefits from it.
What Even the Best Septic Tank Treatments on the Market Can’t Do
Septic tank treatments work best when used as maintenance vs. big problem-solving. Do not expect a septic tank treatment to resolve large scum, solids, or sludge deposits in your septic tank if you neglected it for years. If your toilet has problems flushing or is bubbling, it’s probably time to pump.
That’s like getting extremely out of shape and then taking a vitamin to fix the problem. C’mon, you know better than that. 🙂
Signs you need septic cleaning include foul odors, trouble flushing the toilet, and eventually septic backup. If you experience either of these problems, you’re too late for treatment and need septic tank pumping.
You will have no choice but to get professional septic tank cleaning and pumping services when your tank is too full of solids. That said, you can follow an annual septic tank treatment after service to maintain it and avoid future pumpings.
Our #1 pick below is perfect for this, as populating your “fresh” tank with probiotics will front load the process and set you up for success.
Now, let’s get into the best septic tank treatment products that work amazingly well.
Best Septic Tank Treatment Products Reviewed
Now let’s explore our favorite products so you can decide on the perfect choice for your situation.
We love and use this product. It’s pretty amazing, and one of the best preventative septic system treatments on the market. (They don’t have a multi-million dollar advertising budget to be a household name.)
This product reduces solid waste and mineral build-up to liquid waste, and can even renew your drainage field using probiotics. This product can reduce the need for frequent and expensive pumpings, and also increase the efficiency of any septic tank.
This 32 oz. bottle treats a 1500-gallon tank for up to six months. *Note: They are changing the name from TankTechsRX to Just Science, so don’t be confused by this when ordering.
These easy Green Gobbler pods use enzymes to eat at the material in your system, including paper. Once a month, you simply flush one of the pods down your toilet for guaranteed results. The package comes with a six-month supply. You won’t have to worry about missing a treatment with the Green Gobbler app, which will remind you the next time you should use a pod.
Contained in water-soluble packets, Bio Aim Septic Powder uses a well-researched recipe of enzymes and other organic material to keep your septic tank clean. Similar to the pods, you will flush the packet down the toilet once a month. The package comes with a one-year supply.
Made by one of the biggest names in septic system products, the Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes come with three months worth of monthly concentrated powder packs filled with powerful enzymes. The pods are appropriate for almost all septic systems, including RVS and even biodegradable toilets.
When your septic system maintenance involves dealing with excess grease and oil, get the bulk-sized Bio-CLean Drain Septic Bacteria. Made for septic systems, the bacteria in this commercial-grade product also works for the kitchen sink, grease trap, garbage disposal, miscellaneous drain, and outhouse. One pound of the product mixed with 4 gallons of warm water treat 500 gallons. This is the best septic tank treatment for grease trap cleaning.
Pros
Multi-purpose
10 years+ life expectancy when stored properly
Only requires one application every 3 months
Cons
User mixes bacteria themselves
Expensive
Best results require 8 hours
Septic Tank Treatment: Best Practices
If you have a home with a septic tank, you should learn about the best practices in advance to prevent a problem before it happens.
First, be mindful of what you flush down your toilets. You should not flush female sanitary products or diapers. You also shouldn’t use bleach-based cleaning products that may impact the bacteria levels in your septic tank.
No matter what they say, DO NOT use flushable wipes if you’re on a septic tank. At least, don’t flush them.
Additionally, you should stick to energy-efficient toilets, faucets, and appliances such as dishwashers. This helps ensure that the septic system doesn’t encounter more wastewater volume than it can handle per day.
To ensure that your septic tank is operating properly, consider having a professional inspection once a year, or every three years at the most. Although, some users of septic tank treatments who maintain their systems well have not had theirs pumped in many years.
If solids or sludge levels reach alarming levels, a professional can pump the sludge out of the septic tank for you. Even the cleanest septic tanks should have pumping done every 3 to 5 years.
Septic tanks rely on a delicate balance of natural organisms and proper maintenance. Avoiding maintenance or mistakes made during a repair can lead to health concerns and more extensive damage. For this reason, you can’t pump a septic tank yourself.
Don’t make the mistake of forgetting about your drainage field during your day-to-day life and maintenance routine. Outside of accumulating too much sludge, a faulty drainfield is one of the main reasons for expensive septic tank problems.
In addition to watching what you flush, you can also maintain your drain field by keeping cars and other heavy machinery off the soil above it. You should also plant trees a safe distance away to ensure that tree roots don’t damage the septic system.
Final Thoughts On Using Septic Tank Enzyme Treatments
A septic treatment will add beneficial bacteria, probiotics, or organic solvents to your septic tank system to promote the proper elimination of septic waste and septic odor. Biological additives in between or right after professional cleanings can also keep good bacteria levels where they should be. Hopefully, our review helped you determine the best septic tank enzyme treatments for your situation.
The conclusion of this article related to the best septic tank treatment is this. You can keep scum and solids levels under control with septic tank maintenance products.
Septic Tank Treatment FAQ’s:
Do septic tank enzymes actually work?
Septic tank enzymes work very well at dissolving organic waste. However, they won’t resolve a toilet clog or major septic drain clog. Use them to keep things working properly, but not too often either. Don’t wait until it’s already too late.
What is the best thing to put in septic tank?
Probiotics are the best septic tank additive as they regulate natural bacteria to produce the best results. Enzymes work well, too. However, they work differently. Enzymes eat organic matter, while probiotics adjust organism levels to allow the system to dissolve the material on its own.
How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?
Increase bacteria levels in your septic tank by using a bacteria-based septic tank treatment as instructed. Don’t overuse septic treatment products, as there is such as thing as too much.
How do I keep my septic system healthy?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, keep your septic system healthy by getting it installed properly and then only flushing waste and toilet paper instead of all household waste. You can install efficient toilets and appliances. Additionally, you should use a septic system treatment regularly.
Is Ridex good for septic tanks?
Ridex is one of the most popular septic tank treatment brands. They have made a name for themselves in the industry as a reliable and cost-effective brand, and they continue to deliver. While not necessarily the best brand, they hold their own when compared to the competition.
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About Plumbing Navigator
We write about "all things plumbing," helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
About Plumbing Navigator
We write about “all things plumbing,” helping you navigate common questions, repairs, and the best plumbing products on the market.
