The septic tank system in your house is most definitely something that you never want to back up or stop working properly. Things have the potential to get messy. If something goes wrong you’re going to need to figure out a solution… Immediately. Whatever septic tank solution you may need, whether it be packet, powder, liquid or any other method, we’ve got your solution right here.
Your septic system is designed to do a lot on its own. Keeping itself fully functional is one of those things. But over time, bacteria and sludge in the septic tank can begin to cause big problems. Scum that sinks to the bottom or sludge that rises to the top can cause a blockage of the outlets from your tank.
Not only that, but they can start to emit an odor over time. You can just imagine how that might smell and why it’s necessary to fix the problem as soon as possible.
Here we have a comprehensive list of the best septic tank treatment options on the market to help you avoid this problem before it even begins… Or on the off-hand, after.
Quick Overview: Our Best Septic System Treatments Choices
GreenPig Solutions Live Septic Tank Treatment
This inexpensive septic tank cleaner is already divided into small packets for you, so you don’t have to do any measuring at all. It makes everything simple because every three months you simply pull out one packet and drop it in. You can buy it in 1, 2 or 5-year supplies and you can help cut down on backups and increase the breakdown of waste products because it actually includes one billion beneficial bacteria for your septic tank in just one little packet.
The natural bacteria in here are designed to help digest even grease and solid wastes for a 500, 1000 or 1500 gallon tank. Everything comes in a small bag that’s easy to open and easy to reseal once you take that first packet out so you don’t need to worry about moisture (or anything else) getting in before you’ve used all the packets.
On top of that the bag is small and lightweight so you can store it anywhere until you need it and as a product, there are no fillers included, so you get only what you need.
Things we like:
- Multi-year supply options available
- Pre-measured packets for easy use
- Very affordable
- Ideal for a wide range of tank sizes: 500, 1000 or 1500 gallon tanks
Things we don’t like:
- Has the off chance to coagulate, very rare
- Non bio-based product
RID-X Septic Treatment
Made by a company that most of us have heard of when it comes to septic system cleaning and even regular drain cleaning, these packets are super easy to use because they’re already measured out for you. In the bag, you get a 3 month supply of the packets, which are meant to be used each month. It’s a little more frequent than some options but they’re easy to drop in and help to break down wastes as soon as you flush them into the tank itself.
They’re designed for tanks between 700 and 1500 gallons, so you shouldn’t have a problem with yours and the natural bacteria and enzymes that are inside them immediately start to break down the packet so they can get to work in your tank.
USDA certified as a bio-based product, RID-X is definitely considered the best of the best in septic products for a reason. They’ve been around for over 50 years and even have enzymes that digest paper.
Things we like:
- Pre-measured packets for easy use
- Ideal for a large range of tank sizes, 700 – 1500 gallon tanks
- USDA certified biobased product
- Included enzymes meant to digest paper specifically
Things we don’t like:
- Reputably, there have been some customer support complaints surrounding this product
- Slightly more expensive than other solutions
Green Gobbler Septic Saver
The Green Gobbler Septic Saver comes with 6 month supply of this pre-measured packet is inexpensive and super easy to use. The bag is easy to open and reseal until you need the next one and it’s able to break down just about anything. All you have to do is drop in one pod and flush it down and it starts digesting grease, fat, oil and more. It even helps cut down on odors and it’s safe for any septic system and your pipes, which is definitely going to keep a healthy septic system and things running more smoothly.
These pods are designed to be used every month and contain strong bacteria and enzymes that get into your tank and start to liquefy organic materials as well as solids. They even neutralize effects caused by things like detergent, bleach and household cleaning products which keeps your bacteria working hard instead of dying off.
Non-corrosive and biodegradable, these pods are actually rated for use in homes, commercial areas and even RV’s or mobile homes. What’s even better is that there is an app that reminds you when to use the next pod.
Things we like:
- Can be used in any septic system, extremely versatile product
- Counteract effects of household chemicals
- Incorporates an App for an easy reminder to use the next pod
Things we don’t like:
- The only option for supply is six months
- Compared to GreenPig, the same price for half as much product
RID-X Septic Treatment Powder
This is the only non-pod option we’ve included, but it’s still something you’ll want to take a look at. Just because it’s not as simple, it’s still going to get the job done and in some ways, it’s actually just as easy or easier than what you’re already looking at.
Because this septic additive doesn’t have to break its way through a biodegradable shell before it starts to take effect you get the job done even faster here, so that’s definitely a plus. You also get all the same other effects you expect with RID-X.
This powder has natural bacteria and high-quality enzymes that will break down anything and everything in their path, including oils and grease, proteins and paper. All you have to do to use it is measure out the proper amount and flush it down the tank. It’s rated for tanks up to 1500 gallons, which is great for most home and even some commercial applications.
Use it once per month and this USDA certified bio-based product will help you cut down on the chances of nasty septic system backups.
Things we like:
- Works for up to a 1500 gallon tank
- You have the ability to measure out your own, very cost effective
- Breaks down oils, grease, proteins, and paper
- USDA certified biobased product
- Best choice if your route for septic treatment is powder
Things we don’t like:
- May require multiple uses if complications continue after initial use
- Does not offer the convenience of pre-measured packets
Bio-Active Septic Tank Treatment
This little packet is pre-measured and ready to go, containing billions of enzymes and bacteria rated specifically for your septic system in each packet. This septic system additive You flush it down into the system and it starts breaking down immediately, getting to work on dissolving solids. You get a 1 year supply of monthly packets that can help cut down on odors as well as the backups that you really don’t want to end up in your yard.
This packet can help increase the population of bacteria and enzymes already in your system and that makes sure solids and other materials are broken down a whole lot faster and easier. It can help to counteract the effects of those chemicals you’ve probably been using without even thinking about it and can help get rid of unhealthy bacteria’s that are causing smells and other problems.
Things we like:
- Pre-measured and easy to use
- Monthly packet use
- Includes billions of bacteria and enzymes per packet
- Helps to sustain bacteria and enzyme population already existent in the tank
Things we don’t like:
- On the pricier side
- Quick dissolving requires you to move with haste or risk greater blockage
Features That Matter
Know Your Options
With so many options out there, it may seem impossible to choose the right septic treatment. If you’re like a lot of us you probably walk down the aisle at your local store and pick one randomly off the shelf, right? Well, that’s really not helping you or your septic treatment.
You may be picking one because you recognize the manufacturer, because it’s the cheapest, because it’s on sale, or any other number of reasons that aren’t really as important as what’s actually in that container. It’s also important to know the cause of your septic problems before purchasing any of these products. You may need to seek professional help.
Ingredients
The first thing you need to do is take a look at what’s actually in that container. You don’t want harmful chemicals because they can kill off the needed organisms down in your septic tank. You also don’t want something that’s only there to make your tank smell better. If it’s starting to smell that means there’s a bigger problem you need to take care of.
Organic materials and all-natural bacteria and enzymes are good ingredients and help to stimulate what’s already supposed to be happening. Introducing new bacteria can help stimulate the breakdown of waste into carbon dioxide like it’s supposed to.
Ease of Use
There are several different forms that your treatment could take. Many people prefer the bio-degradable packets that are already pre-measured for you and ready to go. All you have to do is take one out of the box they come in and drop it in your toilet. It does everything else for you from there. But that’s not the only option.
There are also liquids and powders that have to be measured out by you in order to get just the right amount. Which way you want to go is your choice; just make sure you know how much you need before you do it.
Know You Septic System
First, keep in mind that the septic system is actually alive down there, or at least, it’s partially alive. There are organisms that actually live inside the tank and help to break down everything that you put out. Household wastes are dissolved and broken down by them. If anything happens to them it actually causes even more problems over time with your septic tank. After all, they can’t break down the waste and get rid of it for you if they’re not actually there anymore, so be mindful of them.
Conservation
Cutting down on the amount of water that you use, especially water that you shouldn’t be using (like that leak in the bathroom sink) can help your septic tank work better, which means it’s less likely to fail, and you’re less likely to have a backup. Being careful about the things that you put into the septic system will also help.
Anything that goes down a drain is going to eventually end up in your septic tank and that too can cause problems as the items start to break down. Some chemicals or other products can even kill off the good organisms that are living in the septic tank and breaking down your both liquid waste and solid waste.
Wrap Up
Is that septic tank really in need of a simple treatment or should you be doing something more extensive? Septic tank cleaning treatment options can only do so much, so seeking professional help is always advised if problems continue to persist after using one of these products.
Take note of your preferences and the ingredients in the solution that you choose. After all, if something goes wrong because of the ingredients you put in the septic tank you’re going to be in for a whole lot more problems than just a little bit of smell. That’s why it’s important to always be wary of the status of your septic tank and always be prepared to alleviate any problems that may arise due to human waste blockages or malfunction.
Our advised go-to method is the GreenPig Live Septic Tank Treatment.
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