The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reported that biological additives do not appear to improve the performance of healthy septic tanks. These same findings could not justify the cost of additives for septic systems for residential use (EPA, United States, 200). The best thing you can do for your septic system is to let it work as designed with only natural bacteria.
Beyond that, have it pumped and inspected regularly and it will work well for decades. Septic systems don't need any additives to work properly and treat wastewater. While there are many commercial microbiological and enzyme additives sold on the market that claim to improve bacterial populations and reduce the time between pumping septic systems, there really isn't any peer-reviewed scientific literature to prove that these additives are effective at doing what they claim. With all the septic tank additives on the market, it's tempting to think that at least some of them could help your system work more efficiently.
As a somewhat informed septic system owner, you should have the tank pumped and inspected (ideally, this should have been done as part of the Title V portion of the sales transaction; read the report, if you have done so) and, if you don't already have one, consider installing a filter in the outlet shirt (or instead of).Before adding any type of additive or septic tank treatment to your septic tank, be sure to check local regulations as well. Suggesting things like installing an effluent filter can help extend the life of your septic system, since it reduces the amount of solid waste leaving the septic tank, it can help reduce the likelihood of blockages, saving you the cost of a service call to remove blockages. They work by allowing fats and oils to flow downstream into secondary treatment systems and other components of the septic system. Approval simply means that, as required by Florida law, the additive does not interfere with the operation of the septic system and that, when an additive is used, the effluent (wastewater) leaving the septic system meets Florida water quality standards.
Even if you decide to use septic system additives, you still need to perform regular maintenance of your septic system. If you're in an area where there are specific regulations about what can be added to groundwater, septic tank additives may not be an option for you. Some septic tank additives are marketed for use in unusual situations, but even in these cases, there's little an additive can do. Many septic additives claim to break down organic waste and thus eliminate the need to pump septic tanks. If you've done these things and you think your septic system might be out of balance, it's important to contact a professional septic technician such as The Original Plumber & Septic so they can do an inspection for you.
Each product uses a different amount depending on the size of your septic tank and has a different schedule for how often you should use the products. Enzyme additives (also known as bioenzymes) are intended to stimulate bacterial populations in septic tanks. That's why most jurisdictions require homeowners to pump their septic tanks regularly. A conventional septic system is comprised of a septic tank and a drain field, where most of the wastewater treatment takes place.
