Are Septic Tank Additives Good or Bad?

Biological additives

Biological additives are made from natural bacteria, enzymes, and yeasts. These additives are meant to enhance the existing bacteria and microbes in the septic tank and reactivate dormant septic tanks. Biological additives are safe for your septic tank and the environment. Even though biological additives won’t harm your septic system, they are unnecessary because your septic tank gets all the natural bacteria it needs from the incoming waste. If your septic tank is overwhelmed, you need to reduce water use, have it pumped out more often, and have a professional septic technician perform a comprehensive inspection to find out if there are any problems. In some cases, your septic system may be overwhelmed due to improper septic installations or an incorrect design.

Chemical additives

Chemical additives are made from organic solvents and inorganic compounds such as acids and alkalis to help break down the sludge, control odor, and unclog septic system pipes. While chemical additives have been advertised as an alternative to septic tank pumping, you should avoid using them because they are not effective and they can harm your septic system in the following ways:

• They will kill the natural bacteria in your septic tank and cause more problems, including frequent clogs
• They will corrode septic system pipes
• They will disrupt the performance and effectiveness of your septic tank

Do I Need to Use Septic Tank Additives?

Healthy septic tanks already have natural bacteria and microbes that support the biological breakdown of waste. You can add biological additives if you think your septic tank is overwhelmed, but these additives are not necessary.

How to Care for Your Septic Tank

• Have a reputable septic company inspect your septic tank regularly
• Pump your septic tank as needed
• Be careful about what you flush down your drains
• Avoid using chemical drain cleaners
• Keep your septic tank lids closed and secured
• Reduce your water consumption—excessive water use can overwhelm your septic tank

Call Septic Blue of Charlotte to Help You Maintain a Healthy Septic System

The best thing you can do for your septic system is to have it properly maintained and serviced by a trusted septic company. That means regular septic tank pumping, septic tank cleaning, routine inspections, and timely repairs. If you are looking for a professional company to help you with your septic system needs, reach out to Septic Blue of Charlotte. We are a full-service septic company serving many areas in North Carolina. You can rely on us when it comes to septic tank pumping, septic installations, septic tank repair, septic cleaning, and routine maintenance. Your septic system is our number one priority, so contact us today to schedule an appointment if you need septic system service.