Septic Tank Additives

I recently got a comment in my blog on septic tank additives.  I am unsure if this is a legitimate post or if it’s spam.  But everyone should read this below.

As of today 6/12/2010 I have found no literature, or university studies that can prove claims of septic tank additives working.  Plus the ones I find actually state that the additives actually hurt septic components.

I copied and pasted this from the National Environmental Services Center’s Website.

National Environmental Services Center’s Septic Tank Additive Study

Research conducted by Winnerberger, et al. suggests that some biological additives may increase the biological activity to the point where excess solids can be carried into the soil absorption system.  This occurs when anaerobic decomposition of sids causes the formation of methane gas.  Ase they rise, bubbles push solids up from the settles portion of the septic tank. Ultimately, this may lead to solids “carryover” to the soil absorption system where clogging can ensue.

Also copied from the same site:

Do I need to add any additives or anything to my septic tank?

Do I need to use additive in my septic system to keep it working?

A Homeowner does not need to add a stimulator or an enhancer to a septic tank that is designed, operated, and maintained properly 0  naturally occurring bacteria are already present within human fecal matter.  Contrary to popular belief, yeast, dead chickens, possums, or raw hamburger do not need to be added to the septic tank.

I can go on and on.  Going from one university to another, finding articles exactly as this one.  But I can not find any supported articles on your Miller-Plante, Inc. I alway have said, if it looks like saw dust, smells like saw dust or burns like saw dust, it’s probably a $170 bucket of saw dust.

Rid X Septic Tank Additive’s own response on pumping septic tanks

And even with the most trusted septic tank additive out there Rid-X Someone posted a question.

”If I use Rid-X will I have to have my septic tank pumped?”

Answer was, “Yes, the average recommended time between septic tank pumpings is 3-5 years, depending on the rate of sediment build-up, family size, and other factors.  Used regularly, Rid-X helps break down the solid waste in your septic tank.  This may slow the accumulation of solid waste in the tank, allowing more time between pumpings.

Needless to say, septic tanks are giant garbage cans that do need emptying from time to time.  But with the study done by the National Environmental Services Center, stating that these additives may actually clog up your drainfield or sand mound.  I think I would just let the tank collect the solids, and have them emptied every few years.  Instead of a 3,000-9,000 dollar component replacement.

Thanks for Reading,

Ronnie