Septic Tank Treatments

septic tank treatment

A relaxing and lovely weekend with my family at mid-Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks was nearly cut short on Sunday evening thanks to three horrible words: Full septic tank.

Apparently, a botched appraisal led to an incorrect assertion of the septic tank's size, and after 13 people went about their business, disaster struck.

Once the plumber determined the problem, a pump tank headed in to clear the tank and fix the problem. Crisis averted, although two emergency plumber visits on a holiday weekend proved quite pricey.

What can you learn from this tale that will soon be part of our family's lore?

If you're one of the nation's 25 million people who rely on a septic tank, regular maintenance is crucial to ensuring the ongoing success of your system--and a way to help you avoid costly emergency repairs that can result in a demolished yard and other headaches.

Be sure you're purchasing a 100 percent natural septic tank treatment, a solution that flushes down your toilet and introduces a high number of bacteria to the tank. These hungry little critters are vital to the breakdown of waste products, but if you don't use an additive on a monthly basis, repeated flushings will eventually wash away all of the productive bacteria and their related enzymes.

Is your home connected to a septic tank? Let us know of any tips you may have to keep the tank functioning properly!

Photo by markhillary

Katy Ryan | Comments () |

Charles & Hudson

@Kim - Yes doesn't Caroline's Effluent service sound more dignified?

@Todd - Thanks for the tips but is there ever a situation when you should use a septic tank treatment?

Todd Fratzel

Honestly I really don't think so. The best thing to do when you're having trouble is to have the tank pumped. Natural bacteria work great. The real issue is when the tank starts passing solids to the field, then the field can become clogged. Adding treatments will do little for the field. Snake oil in my humble opinion....we install dozens of septic systems every year at work and see tons of failures...they are almost always a result of poor maintenance which is the real key.

Kim

Is the font on the side of that truck SUPPOSED to make you feel refined and wealthy... as they pump your business out of the ground?!

Todd Fratzel

I would strongly advise against using septic "chemicals" or "treatments". Septic tanks work best when they are left natural as normal bacteria will do the job. The real key to keeping your septic system working properly is how you use it and how you maintain it. Here's a couple tips.

1. Be sure to have the septic tank pumped every 2 to 3 years at most.
2. DO NOT flush grease down your drains. Grease can clog up the leach field and prematurely fail the system. When washing dishes, pots and pans try wiping excess grease away with a paper towel and disposing in the trash.
3. DO NOT flush harsh cleaning products down the drain. Try to minimize the flushing of bleaches and other chemicals that kill bacteria.

If you follow those simple steps your septic system will last longer and save you some serious money.