The septic tank holds wastewater from the home until solid debris settles at the bottom of the tank (the sludge layer) and lighter waste, such as oil, rises to the top to form the scum layer. Between the two layers lies clarified liquid, which flows into an outlet pipe and is gradually dissipated through a drain field. Bacteria in the septic tank naturally break down organic waste matter and slow the accumulation of the sludge layer.
How can insufficient bacteria be a cause of septic tank system failure?
When overused, some common household chemicals like antibacterial soaps and bleach, can kill off the beneficial bacteria that populate your septic tank. Additionally, excessive amounts of water going down the drain will flush out a large portion of the beneficial bacteria growing in your septic tank. In such a weakened system, the sewage can build up more quickly, eventually blocking the outlet pipe or possibly clogging your drain field. When that happens, a backup can occur, requiring emergency pumping and possible drain field replacement.
The Dreaded Backup
A backup is an ugly, smelly mess. Excess build-up of sewage solids in the tank can go unnoticed until it eventually causes the system to backup and break down. When that happens, additional sewage and wastewater may backup into your house, emptying out into your bathrooms, kitchen sinks and laundry.
It may also result in expensive repairs to your septic system. The average cost of a septic backup repair is $6,000.
Maintaining your septic tank system can be as easy as 1-2-3
Use RID-X® Septic Tank System Treatment monthly
The product is available in three formulas: gelpacs, powder and liquid. All formulas will work to help reduce the rate of sludge build-up to keep your system running smoothly until the next pumping. RID-X® Septic Tank System Treatment contains billions of bacteria and enzymes specifically selected to be the best at digesting septic system waste. RID-X® also contains cellulase, the only enzyme that will digest paper waste. RID-X® liquid can also be used to help keep drains running smoothly.
Have your septic system inspected and pumped regularly
Sludge in large quantities can be eliminated by only a professional pumper. You should have a pumper inspect your system to determine if the accumulation of solid waste is too high and needs to be removed. You should not inspect the tank yourself since the gasses that accumulate in the tank can be lethal.
Watch what you pour down the drains
The eco-system of the septic tank is very delicate. Some household chemicals like bleach and anti-bacterial soaps can kill beneficial bacteria, so you should avoid flushing them down your drains. Finally, make sure that you monitor how much water enters your septic system each day.
RID-X® restores the balance in your septic system
RID-X® Septic Tank System Treatment contains billions of 100% natural active bacteria and enzymes that have been scientifically proven to digest household waste. By adding RID-X®, you restore the delicate balance of beneficial bacterial and enzymes that are needed to help keep your system operating at full efficiency.
Each box of RID-X® contains the following ingredients, scientifically proven to break down household waste:
Cellulase breaks down toilet paper, vegetable matter and some foods
Lipase breaks down fats, oils and grease
Protease breaks down proteins
Amylase breaks down starches
How soon does RID-X® begin to activate and work?
Immediately. The enzymes begin working as soon as they come in contact with water and the waste they break down. The bacteria take 2-4 hours to germinate, multiplying to the maximum level that the environment will allow in about 2-4 days if the temperature and conditions are favorable. However, with the constant flow of sewage in, and water out of the tank, it is important to add RID-X® according to label directions in order to keep the RID-X® bacteria level at its highest. Because septic systems vary so much, we cannot make assertions on how quickly the bacteria and enzymes will break down waste.
Why is RID-X® a smart choice for your septic tank system?
Adding RID-X® to the septic system each month will help prolong the life of your septic system.
Trusted for more than 50 years. Septic system owners have long relied on RID-X® along with occasional pumping to help keep their septic systems free-flowing.
Breaks down paper. RID-X® contains cellulase enzymes, the only enzyme that can digest paper.
Breaks down grease. RID-X® is designed to attack grease in your septic
tank, breaking it down to slow the accumulation of the greasy scum
layer, which, if left unchecked, can compromise the working of your
Inexpensive and easy to use. Just flush it down the toilet. There's no mess, mixing or waiting.
Safe for pipes and plumbing. RID-X® contains 100% natural active bacteria and enzymes. It has no harmful or harsh chemicals and won't harm your pipes or plumbing. Use it with complete confidence.
Three convenient formulas. RID-X® Gelpacs, RID-X® Powder and RID-X® Liquid.