Are Additives That I Pour Down My Drain Good For A Septic System
Like All the Commercials Claim?
You might as well pour your money down the drain for all the good they will do. In fact, they may do more harm to your system and even hasten its failure. Some states have even banned their use altogether. Some additives claim that by using their product the need for pumping the septic tank is eliminated. This could mean that the solids, grease, and scum in the tank are being pushed out into the drainfield where they can cause the most damage. Just like grease on your face can clog your pores, grease and other solids can clog up the air spaces around the gravel and the soil particles, slowing its job of cleansing the wastewater and eventually stopping it altogether.
Septic tanks can only hold so much solids before they need to be pumped out. Just like a car needs regular oil changes, a tank needs regular pumping.
For more detailed information see the additives fact sheets in the Homeowner Education, Fact Sheets and the Starting Your Program, Fact Sheets sections of this tool kit.
Above photo from Padilla Bay NEER Septic Education Kit (see Starting Your Program, Public Education Critical section of this tool kit).