Do septic tank enzymes truly improve the general conditions of septic tanks? If they do, what volume is considered okay?
What product variants or options do you have? We will answer these and many other questions as you read the article.
Enzymes For Septic Tanks
Septic tank systems are designed to handle on-site wastewater treatment, unlike sewer systems. Here, homeowners are saddled with ensuring their systems are correctly maintained.
Maintenance, in this case, includes providing optimal conditions for the breakdown of organic wastes or solids.
Enzymes for septic tanks are biological additives believed to help enhance the more efficient breakdown of wastes and keep septic tanks in excellent condition.
About Septic Enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts that help speed up the breakdown of organic waste. They consist of amino acids which act on grease and oil within a septic tank.
Without the action of such enzymes, these oils and grease will end up in the drain field. They may also cause other issues like clogs.
Sometimes, septic tank enzymes are manufactured to include synthetic bacteria. Both of these (enzymes and bacteria) work together to promote a more efficient breakdown of raw sewage.
Ordinarily, naturally occurring bacteria will help with the breakdown of raw sewage without the need for adding synthetic types.
However, certain conditions call for using synthetic products (enzymes & bacteria) in the tank. Such harmful practices include excessive laundry detergents, disinfectants, and bleach.
These are likely to kill off beneficial natural bacteria at high amounts, thus affecting the normal breakdown of organic waste.
Septic tank enzymes and bacteria help supplement the dead bacteria, leading to a rejuvenation of waste breakdown.
Is Enzyme Treatment For Septic Tanks Reliable?
While enzymes are sold as effective catalysts that help with the fast breakdown of organic matter, there’s little to no scientific data to back such claims.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency issued a report that debunked the claims of enzymes helping improve septic tanks’ functioning.
With this information, you can limit your dependence on enzymes to improve the condition of your septic tank. You can significantly improve your septic tank’s condition by altering your use habits.
You’ll find some information on this as you read on.
Consult with the Pros
Before deciding on applying or using septic tank enzymes, seeking a professional opinion is vital. A septic tank contractor is in a better position to advise you on what works and what doesn’t.
Most of these professionals recommend forming and following simple use habits that improve the health of septic tanks.
Top Rated Septic Tank Enzymes to Choose from
If you must use septic tank enzymes, it’s best to go with some of the best products on the market.
Examples of these include Septic Blast! Emergency Tank Treatment & Maintenance, RID-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes, and Green Gobbler Septic Saver Bacteria Enzyme.
Others include Get Serious Septic Tank Treatment Liquid, GreenPig Solutions 52 Concentrated Formula, and Zep Septi-Pack Concentrated Septic Treatment.
These and many other septic tank enzymes can be used for your septic tank maintenance needs. Let’s briefly discuss a few of these before proceeding.
i. Septic Blast! Emergency Septic Tank Treatment and Maintenance
This product offers multiple benefits ranging from eliminating septic tank clogs, improving drainage function, restoring bacterial balance, and eliminating foul odors.
What more? It helps prevent costly repairs by ensuring that problems are resolved much earlier before they worsen.
ii. Green Gobbler Septic Saver Bacteria Enzyme
With this septic tank enzyme, you get a ton of benefits ranging from the reduction of solid septic odors, prevention of costly septic repairs and backup as well as having a long-lasting effect on the health of your septic system.
Excellent results are obtained when the product is applied correctly.
All you have to do is refer to the product label for directives on how to use it. Follow the use instructions given by the manufacturer.
iii. RID-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes
Rid-X is another top-rated septic tank enzyme to consider buying for your system. It’s an improved formula that helps promote the rapid breakdown of organic waste while rejuvenating bacterial presence and activity.
It’s safe for your tank and drain lines and helps prevent septic backup.
More Efficient Ways to Care for your System Besides Septic Enzyme Use
When it comes to using septic tank enzymes, there are no assurances that you’ll get desired results. The absence of scientific backing for enzyme use in septic systems creates a lot of doubt about its efficacy.
However, there are proven and more comprehensive ways to care for your septic system.
These offer much better results and ensure your tank is in excellent condition. They include the efficient use of water, frequent inspection & pumping, drain field maintenance, and proper disposal of waste.
Let’s have a brief discussion of each of these.
-
Efficient Use of Water
A septic system is likely to fail when too much water gets into the tank.
According to the EPA, an average single-family home uses as much as 70 gallons of water per person per day. Leaks will significantly increase the amount of water getting into the septic tank.
Too much water in the tank affects the efficient breakdown of waste.
To reduce water use significantly, consider running your washing machine at full loads, replacing your old toilets with highly efficient models, and the installation of high-efficiency showerheads and faucet aerators.
-
Frequent Inspection & Pumping
Instead of relying on septic tank enzymes, consider calling for regular inspections and pumping of your septic tank. After review, a contractor gives you an idea of the required pumping frequency.
Also, other helpful tips on how to improve proper functioning are provided.
-
Drain Field Maintenance
Septic systems work as a unit. So, a section that’s affected is likely to impact others negatively. Avoid placing heaving objects on your drain field.
This includes cars or other machinery. Trees and plants shouldn’t be located close to the drain field. Also, water from roof drains, and you should channel other areas away from the drain field.
-
Proper Disposal of Waste
Don’t use your toilet like a trashcan. In other words, certain things should never find their way in.
Examples include photographic solutions, oil, grease, dental floss, cigarette butts, condoms, coffee grounds, diapers, pharmaceuticals, paper towels, and cat litter.
Septic tank enzymes are widely used for septic system maintenance.
We’ve mentioned and discussed some popular products you can pick from. We’ve also seen that, contrary to popular belief, these enzymes do little to improve the condition of your septic system.