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How do I Choose the Best Septic Bacteria Treatment?

By Erin J. Hill
Updated May 16, 2024
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You can find various septic bacteria treatment systems on the market, both in your local building supply store and online. If you believe your septic system requires additional beneficial floral added, you should choose one that contains bacteria proven help break down septic waste and in as high a quantity available. It is important to note that some experts advise against adding bacterial and other treatments to your septic system.

If you do choose to do a septic bacteria treatment, the main difference between various brands may be the number of live cultures found in the treatment and the type of bacteria each contains. In general, the higher the flora count, the more likely enough bacteria will live to benefit your system. That said, there is very little evidence which suggests that adding additional bacteria to your septic tank will have any impact on its function.

Most experts advise against septic bacteria treatment because it will often be a waste of money. Most times, if the numbers of live bacteria found in a septic system decrease, it is due to an outside source. Adding yeast or chemicals which aim to unclog or clean the tank, for instance, can actually kill off beneficial bacteria and contaminate the soil. Sometimes these products may even damage your tank. If you do not fix the problem which depleted the bacterial content in the first place, any flora you add will likely die soon after.

Assuming you are not adding anything to your tank, you more than likely already have all the bacteria you need. The waste added daily from your home’s bathroom and showers provides all the nutrition bacteria need to thrive. That said, if your washing machine empties into the tank and you use high quantities of bleach and other harsh chemicals, the number of bacteria may have diminished and a septic bacteria treatment may be beneficial. You should then cut down on the amount of bleach you use.

You can find which septic bacteria treatment options have yielded the best results or which have the best prices by checking online. Many retailers allow customer reviews of products, so you can get a good idea of the experiences other consumers have had using a particular variety of treatment. Bacterial treatments are only meant to act as a preventative against problems with your system, and should not be used to solve an existing problem. A licensed professional will need to called in the event that your system has a clog or if the drainage field is flooding.

It is a good idea to be sure that the strain of bacteria you are using is specifically designed for the septic system. Strains which would not normally be found there could be harmful to your tank and may actually cause damage rather than prevent it. Be sure you read labels carefully.

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