ENZYMES STIR UP TROUBLE

05.14.08

This week I wish to address septic systems and enzymes. For years people and companies have touted the benefits of enzymes with regards to septic tank operation. Rid-X and other similar products contain these enzymes. Dump some enzymes down your drain and say good-bye to septic problems.

Stop! It is not quite that simple and I learned recently that enzymes may cause more trouble than good. The problem is that enzymes tend to "stir" up a tank's contents. If you are a year round "user" this can cause premature clogging of leaching fields since constant (daily) use may result in solid matter getting through the baffle and out into the fields.

If you are an infrequent home user, such as weekends etc., use of enzymes may be of SOME benefit, without the problems. The tank has time to "rest" between uses, thereby allowing solids to settle at the bottom of the tank and not making it into the fields.

Overall however, my suggestion is not to use them at all. The best way to avoid septic system problems is to simply have your tank cleaned on a regular basis. What is that? For 1 or 2 people with a modern, properly sized system, clean it every 2 or 3 years; for heavy, constant use with 4 or more people, clean it every year. Tank size might affect my suggestion.


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