The cabin obsession says that bacteria must be eliminated once a month. RidX suggests rinsing it once every 3 months. Any idea what the best septic maintenance is? Thank you. 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 the septic system, there really isn't any peer-reviewed scientific literature to prove that these additives are effective at doing what they claim.
The average home septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are generally pumped every three to five years. Alternative systems with electrical floating switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be inspected more often, usually once a year. A service contract is important since alternative systems have machined parts.
For more information on maintaining septic systems, see the answers to frequently asked questions about caring for septic systems. A conventional septic system is comprised of a septic tank and a drain field, where most of the wastewater treatment takes place. Solids settle at the bottom of a septic tank (mud), oils and greases float on top (foam), and wastewater (effluent) exits the tank into the drain field for subsequent treatment. Septic systems, which are promoted as the environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-laden waste treatment facilities used by many cities, work to purify wastewater naturally.
Conventional septic systems are comprised of a septic tank (an airtight container buried in the ground) and a drain field or leach field. However, these particles are so small that they do not settle to the bottom of the septic tank, but make their way through the outlet baffle and reach the drain field. 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. And while a properly functioning system requires little more than routine cleanings every 2 to 4 years, some homeowners strive to make their septic systems more efficient by using additives, such as Rid-X, to stimulate bacteria in their tanks a little.
The drain field, a component of the septic system that removes contaminants from the liquid that comes out of the septic tank, is an important part of the septic system. When you call a septic service provider, he or she will inspect for leaks and examine the layers of scum and mud in your septic tank. Your septic tank includes a T-shaped outlet that prevents mud and scum from leaving the tank and heading to the drain field area. In a properly functioning septic system, your home's wastewater is emptied into the septic tank, where solids settle to the bottom, allowing liquids to rise to the surface before exiting through the exhaust baffle and filtering through the drain field to be purified and reabsorbed into the water table. So what's the problem with additives like Rid-X? According to the EPA and the Ohio Department of Health, additives such as Rid-X are not only not recommended, but they also have a detrimental and potentially dangerous effect on the septic system waste treatment process.
