Should I Put Septic Additives in My System?

The public mistakenly believes that pouring a chemical or organic compound down your toilet and flushing it will help your septic tank. These are known as additives. Maybe you have even said to yourself at some point, “Should I put septic additives in my system?” The answer is a hard no. Why? Read on to find out.

What Happens if I Use Septic Tank Additives?

Additives designed for septic systems can come into question because of their questionable impact on septic system health. In too many cases, additives can wreak havoc on your septic system. Here are a few examples of possible damage that septic additives can cause.

Possible Septic Damage Caused by Chemicals

Chemical-based additives can disintegrate septic tank parts and the pipes connecting it to your home. If it can damage the septic tank itself, then there is no question it will kill bacteria essential to your septic system. Without bacteria, the waste decomposition process will be disrupted or stopped. It can lead to a malfunctioning system, requiring more frequent and costly repairs or a total system replacement, which means that you will have to contend with septic tank backups until the balance in your septic tank is restored.

Septic Additives Can Harm Good Bacteria

As we stated, your septic system depends on natural bacteria to break down sewage. Some microbial additives claim to stimulate your septic system’s efficiency by adding more bacteria. The concept would be fine if the septic tank didn’t already have the bacteria to break down waste. By introducing additives to your septic system, you run the risk of potentially less effective waste treatment, which will impair your septic system in the long run.

Septic Tank Additives Can Foster a False Sense of Security

Regular use of additives might give homeowners a false sense of security, leading them to neglect necessary maintenance practices like regular pumping and inspections. Over time, solids can build up in the tank, leading to blockages, system failures, or the need for premature system replacement.

Polk and Hillsborough Counties Septic Regulatory Compliance

Both Polk and Hillsborough Counties have environmental agencies that enforce code when it comes to septic system maintenance and care. If you decide to use additives not approved by their health or environmental agencies, you may run afoul of the law and be subject to fines. Qualified septic professionals know the regulations and can confirm that your septic system complies with the applicable code.

Septic Tank Additives May Be Bad for the Environment

With governing agencies and the environment in mind, many additives can be bad for the environment, leeching into groundwater and, in turn, negatively impacting the surrounding ecosystem. Chemicals building up in the soil from your septic tank can also pollute water sources, be ingested by wildlife, and pose risks to you and your family.

Use a Qualified Septic Service

You should never rely on additives to maintain your septic system. A professional septic service will have the skill and experience to ensure your septic system is in good working order. Why? Because they will conduct careful inspections, pinpoint issues before they get out of control, and advise you on properly maintaining a septic system. Periodic inspections, maintenance, and pumping by a qualified septic service are vital. It will help your septic system work for years to come. So, don’t make the mistake of trying to fix a septic system issue with additives; contact us to take care of any septic issues.

Let Lakeland Septic Maintain Your System and Avoid Harmful Additives

Don’t make the mistake of using damaging septic tank additives to maintain your septic system; count on Lakeland Septic’s years of experience instead. Contact us if you are in the greater Polk County or Northern Hillsborough areas. We will happily schedule a time to inspect and service your septic system so it will work when you need it.