Bob77064
Elite Member
We have a septic tank, about 6 years old. This is the first septic tank I have had. Is it a good idea to use RidX, baking soda or something like that for maintenance?
Septic Tank Maintenance
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sdkubota
Platinum Member
You don't need to add anything besides organic waste since that contains the bacteria you are looking for. Probably should have it pumped and cleaned every 3-6 years depending on use.
RoyJackson
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It's not so much what you think you should add (which is nothing, really), it's what you don't want in the tank. Example, if you use a garbage disposal, have your tank pumped more frequently (2-3 years, depending on your family's size). Use septic system friendly detergents. Never put bleach down a commode. Things like that.
Reyer Farms
Platinum Member
Fossil Farm
Platinum Member
As Roy said, watch what you put down the drains. If you have a garbage disposal, about the only thing you should chop up is ice. Grease, potato peels, carrot peels, etc. should be put in the garbage or thrown outside. In the city, the wastewater plant deals with it much better. In your septic tank, you have to deal with it. Cost to have our tank pumped is about $200. I have it pumped every 2 or 3 years. Much cheaper than a new system, especially with the health department rules in our county. If you haven't had it pumped yet, I would suggest you do it soon. Bacteria naturally occurs and grows in the tank. Adding bacteria should not be necessary most of the time. I have heard of some concerns with anti-bacterial soaps, but have not seen any independent studies on whether they are a concern or not for a septic system. Probably not enough use of the soaps to hurt the system. Good luck.
Bigfoot62
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Exactly. Not trying to be crude, but when you sit on the pot, you're giving your septic tank what it needs. I was a licensed septic system installer for years, and you wouldn't believe the "snake oil" stories that I've heard.
RidX, and similar organic products won't hurt your system, but they are a waste of money.
Roy is absolutely correct.
One thing that I would add is, put garbage in the trash can, not down the sink drain. And, NEVER NEVER pour grease down the drain.
Also, most drain cleaners are acidic. Acid is bad for your bacteria. The best policy is to not put food and grease down the drain in the first place.
Now, YOU have a problem.This how I found mine yesterday. It needs some maintenance
Reyer Farms
Platinum Member
The funny thing is we were planning on moving the tank because we are fixing to build a packing shed with kitchen for processing vegetables. We just are starting a little sooner, I won't have to poke around the yard to find it. Who wants to help???? Peanut butter sandwiches and water will be provided.
WayneB
Elite Member
This how I found mine yesterday. It needs some maintenance
Yes, I would say you need it immediately! Sorry for the problem you have. We have our system pumped every three years and it has been in since 1985 with zero problems. I do have a garbage disposal that injects a bacteria into the system each time you hit the on switch. Everything is fine as of now.
Down the road from us we had a system fail, I assume it was never pumped and the guy had a water softener system that he auto back flushed and pumped into his septic tank. Costly situation for sure.
Wayne
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Bob77064
Elite Member
Thanks for all the help guys, I will get it pumped.
DKCDKC
Platinum Member
Had septic for years. Never added anything. Never put grease down the drain. Took out the garbage disposal.
Plenty of info online about how septic works, and when it might be wise to have it pumped. I have a cabin used perhaps 10 percent of the time. Have it pumped every 15 years and it has been perfect. Home septic is pumped every 8 to 10 years - and could go longer. Septic systems are sized for the number of johns, etc. We have 3, but there are only two of us. In an earlier home, with 4 johns and 7 people, we were on a 6 year cycle.
Common sense and a conversation with a reliable septic man will do wonders.
Plenty of info online about how septic works, and when it might be wise to have it pumped. I have a cabin used perhaps 10 percent of the time. Have it pumped every 15 years and it has been perfect. Home septic is pumped every 8 to 10 years - and could go longer. Septic systems are sized for the number of johns, etc. We have 3, but there are only two of us. In an earlier home, with 4 johns and 7 people, we were on a 6 year cycle.
Common sense and a conversation with a reliable septic man will do wonders.
