The 5 Best Septic Tank Treatments – [Reviews & Rankings]

A septic tank is an efficient and economical waste disposal solution if you live in a home that isn’t connected to a local sewage system. The best septic tank treatments can help you maintain your septic tank system, and avoid having to spend lots of money on replacement or repair. 

Septic tanks thrive off of bacteria that filter through waste in the drainage system and keep your system clean and functional. Septic tank treatments are typically comprised of many bacteria that help waste decompose and prevent septic backups (Source).

Septic tank treatments come in either liquid or pod form, and are as simple to use as dropping in the toilet and flushing. The best septic tank treatments include bacteria and help your septic tank process items that are otherwise difficult to digest like fat, grease, oil, and paper products (Source).

They can help improve the longevity of your septic tank and reduce your maintenance costs. Septic tank treatments come in pre-measured portions that make them easy to use.

If you live in a rural area with a home that relies on a septic tank, and there aren’t many septic technicians readily available to call in an emergency, septic tank treatments will ensure you don’t have to.

Prior to purchasing septic tank treatment, you’ll want to consider whether you prefer liquid or solid pods. You’ll also have to think about the size of your septic tank, and how frequently the treatment will require use. 

To avoid a septic emergency, try out these top-rated septic treatments.

Comparing The Best Septic Tank Treatments

1. GreenPig Solutions Live Septic Tank Treatment

This septic tank treatment solution occupies the top spot on our list for a number of reasons. First, it dissolves septic waste to help avoid back up problems. Second, GreenPig septic tank bacteria keep sewage flowing without any restrictions.

Believe it or not, the manufacturer says that their treatment is populated with about one billion septic tank bacteria that quickly multiply to absorb and digest sludge, grease, paper, and solid waste.

No Measuring Worries

This relatively cheap treatment 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 3 months you simply pull out one packet and drop it in the tank. You can buy it in one, two or five-year supplies.

It’s All About Bacteria

Because the solution actually includes one billion bacteria for your septic tank in just one little packet, you can help cut down on backups and increase the breakdown of waste products.

The bacteria are quite omnivorous, as they digest even grease and solid wastes for a 500, 1,000 or 1,500 gallon tank.

Simple Storage

Everything comes in a small bag that’s easy to open and easy to reseal once you’ve taken the first packet out, so you don’t need to worry about moisture (or anything else) getting in before you’ve used all the doses.

In addition, the bag is small and lightweight, so you can store it anywhere until you need it. Regarding the product itself, there are no fillers included, so you get only what you need.

2. RID-X Septic Treatment

Based on national Nielsen data, this is the number one brand in septic system treatment. Generally, it is very effective in preventing septic backups by continuously breaking down household waste, but occasional pumping may still be necessary.

Easy Dosage

This septic tank treatment solution comes in pre-measured, easy-to-use dissolvable pouches that are safe for use in pipes and tanks.

Produced by a company that is said to be the market leader in the U.S. when it comes to septic system cleaning and even regular drain cleaning, these packets are super easy to deal with, because they’re already measured out for you.

3-Month Supply In One Bag

In the bag, you get a 3-month supply of packets, which are meant to be used each month. It’s a little more frequent than some other options, but they’re easy to drop in and help to break down wastes as soon as you flush them into the tank.

Bacteria & Enzymes

The pouches are perfect for tanks between 700 and 1,500 gallons, so you shouldn’t have a problem with yours. The natural bacteria and enzymes that are inside them immediately start to eat the packet, so they can get to work cleaning your tank.

100% Bio-Based Product

USDA certified as a 100% bio-based product, RID-X is considered the best of the best in the field of septic tank cleaning products for a good reason. The company has been around for over fifty years and has even grown their own enzymes that digest paper.

3. Green Gobbler Septic Saver

This septic treatment solution is believed to contain the most powerful bacteria and enzymes that are commercially available. The bacteria digest grease, fats, oils, paper and any other organic matter.

The product is supplied in convenient, water-soluble pods that simply need to be dropped and flushed down the drain. There is an iPhone app to remind you when it’s time to drop the next SEPTIC SAVER pod.

Only 6-Month Supply Available

Albeit a six-month supply is the only available option, the solution comes in pre-measured packets that are inexpensive and super easy to use. The bag is easy to open and reseal until you need the next dose, and its content capable of breaking down just about any organic matter.

Protects Your Pipes Reliably

All you have to do is drop in one pod and flush it down the drain. Once it lands into the septic tank, it starts digesting grease, fat, oil and much more. It even helps reduce odors and it’s safe for any septic system and your pipes, which is definitely going to keep waste water running more smoothly in them.

Non-corrosive and biodegradable, these pods are actually rated for use in homes, commercial areas and even recreation vehicles and mobile homes. In addition, there is an app that reminds you when to use the next pod.

Monthly Use Recommended

These pods are meant to be used every month and contain powerful bacteria and enzymes that get into your tank and start to liquefy organic matter as well as solid waste. The enzymes even neutralize the negative effects of detergents, bleach and other household cleaning products. Thus, they keep the bacteria and actively working.

4. RID-X Septic Treatment Powder

The dual-action formula of this powder is safe for use in pipes and tanks alike. Add RID-X powder directly into your toilet bowl, then flush the water right away to ensure optimal septic system operation.

The Only Non-Pouch Option

This is the only non-pod option we’ve included in our review, because we think it’s still something you may want to take a look at. Although it’s not as simple to use as the pod-based solutions, it’s still perfectly capable of getting the job done.

In some ways, the powder actually more efficient than the pods. As the powder doesn’t have to break its way through a biodegradable shell before it starts to take effect, you get the job done even faster. You also get the same efficiency you’d expect from a genuine RID-X product.

Enzymes At Work

Just like the pods discussed above, this powder contains natural bacteria and high-quality enzymes that are capable of breaking down any organic matter they come across – oils and grease, proteins, and even paper.  The enzymes and natural bacteria are safe and gentle on your pipes.

Do Some Measuring

All you have to do to use this mega-strong powder is measure out the proper amount and flush it down the tank. It’s meant for tanks up to 1,500 gallons, which is great for most home and even some commercial models.

Monthly Use Recommended

Experts recommend that this USDA certified bio-based powder should be used once per month.  Monthly septic tank treatments such as the RID-X powder help improve the overall condition of your system and ward off unpleasant backups. Enjoy peace of mind by using the RID-X powder on the same day every month.

5. Bio-Active Septic Tank Treatment

This septic treatment solution is actually offered in the form of water-soluble sachets. The one-year supply option is the most-cost effective one, as far as we could check.

Enhances Self-Cleaning

The regular use of Bio-Active will help reduce surface and bottom solids in your septic tank. Bio-Active Septic Treatment restores billions of the biological population of good working bacteria and enzymes, which reduce solids in septic tanks.

How it Works

The beneficial bacteria and enzymes also get carried over to the leach field to reduce solids and prevent clogging. This amazing sachet can help get rid of unhealthy bacteria that often emit pungent smell and cause many other problems.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Septic Tank Solution

With so many options out there, it may seem impossible to choose the right septic treatment. Below are some factors to take into consideration, so as to make a wise and cost-effective choice.

1. Ingredients

The first thing you need to do is take a close look at the ingredients of your product​​​. You certainly don’t want harmful chemicals, because they can wipe out all good bacteria in your septic tank.

2. User Friendliness

Your septic tank cleaning solution can come in a number of different forms. Many tank owners prefer the bio-degradable pouches that are already pre-measured and ready to go down the drain. But that’s not the only option.

There are also liquids and powders that have to be measured out so as to get just the right amount. Which way you want to go is your choice, just make sure you know how much substance you need to clean your tank.

3. Get To Know Your Septic System

Keep in mind that the septic system of your home​​​ is actually alive. There are organisms that live inside the tank and help break down everything that you pour in. Household wastes are dissolved and broken down by this tireless army of good organisms. If anything happens to them, you are likely to experience severe problems with your septic tank over time.

4. Be Water Efficient

Reducing the amount of water that you use can help your septic tank function better, which means you’ll be less likely to experience nasty backups. Being careful about the things that you dispose of into your septic system also helps keep it in good shape.

Ready To Buy The Best Septic Tank Treatments?

The septic tank in your house is most definitely something that you never want to back up or stop functioning properly. Things have the potential to get messy very quickly. If something goes wrong you’re going to need to figure out a stop-gap solution.

Whatever septic tank solution you may need – packets, powder, or liquid, you are now more likely to make an informed choice, having just read our review.

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