Septic Mound: Don't Use Rid-Ex etc.

[titelines]

Hi all,

I have followed a couple different threads on FM regarding whether or not to use Rid-Ex or similar types of products with a septic mound system. We put in a new mound system 2.5 years ago, so I did quite a bit of research about this and it seems like all the "experts" agree that you should not.

Well, we had our tank pumped for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I decided to ask the "expert" myself. This guy has been pumping tanks for 30+ years and contracts with a lot of State Parks etc., so he's seen a lot. He told me to absolutely not use these products. He explained that, over time they are very damaging and can actually cause clogs in the drain-field, potentially causing a several thousand dollar repair (he explained how it does this, but I really don't remember the specifics).

He said that there is no reason to use these products as the natural bacterial breakdown is more than sufficient to keep these systems working, and that, with proper maintenance (pumping, filter cleaning etc.) there is no reason a mound system can't have a life expectancy of 30 years or more.

Take what you will from this, but I will not be using these products with our system.

[BobT]

These products should not be necessary. The bacteria needed is there by default and will do the job. The only reason I can imagine needing these kinds of products is if you are putting chemicals into the system that do not belong there. Many laundry detergents are not septic system safe and can kill the bacteria. There are other chemicals too that will do this and these are probably the reason some people have to use products like Rid-EX.

[frazwood]

Hi all,

I have followed a couple different threads on FM regarding whether or not to use Rid-Ex or similar types of products with a septic mound system. We put in a new mound system 2.5 years ago, so I did quite a bit of research about this and it seems like all the "experts" agree that you should not.

Well, we had our tank pumped for the first time a couple weeks ago, and I decided to ask the "expert" myself. This guy has been pumping tanks for 30+ years and contracts with a lot of State Parks etc., so he's seen a lot. He told me to absolutely not use these products. He explained that, over time they are very damaging and can actually cause clogs in the drain-field, potentially causing a several thousand dollar repair (he explained how it does this, but I really don't remember the specifics).

He said that there is no reason to use these products as the natural bacterial breakdown is more than sufficient to keep these systems working, and that, with proper maintenance (pumping, filter cleaning etc.) there is no reason a mound system can't have a life expectancy of 30 years or more.

Take what you will from this, but I will not be using these products with our system.

The products like Rid-Ex will neither help nor hurt your mound system, septic system, whatever.

And for what it is worth, a guy who cleans out septic systems is not an expert... an expert would be someone with a doctoral degree in waste management.

[brmuskie]

Products that claim to reduce the frequency at which you need to maintain (pump) your septic tank should not be used as some of those will actually force solids out into the drainfield - causing plugging of the soil pores which over time will cause the drainfield to fail.

Adding bacteria products to enhance the performance of your system is neither bad or good unless there is good reason for it. Just don't use an additive in place of proper maintenance.

Anyone can be an expert - just ask them.

[harvey lee]

When I lived in the country, we at times would throw a pound of hamburger in the tank to help with adding bacteria. Worked very well and we next to never had to pump our tank in 20+ years.

[deerminator]

The excavating company that installed our mound system told us not to use these products and were very good in terms of providing us with lots of maintenance tips. It may or may not be necessary, but we get our tanks pumped out every two years. As far as I'm concerned, spending $100 every two years to get this done is well worth it when you consider a new septic system could cost as much as an economy car.

[BobT]

State recommendation is to have them pumped every five years or less. Depending on the size of the system and the amount of use this can very. Dropping a pound of hamburger is not any more effective than dropping a pound of pooh into the tank. In fact, the pound of pooh is probably the most effective treatment you can give it. Avoiding anti-bacterial soaps, bleaches, and other harmful bacteria killing chemicals is very important.

[Shorelunch]

The excavating company that installed our mound system told us not to use these products and were very good in terms of providing us with lots of maintenance tips. I

Would you share the maintenance tips?

[Tom7227]

U of M Extension service has all of this stuff on line.

[deerminator]

Ditto. That's basically the information they gave me. Lots of good information on water/waste usage, etc., and how frequently that means you should pump and so on. Lots of tips on what to plant on and/or around the mound, etc., etc.

[Surface Tension]

Size of tank and number of people in the house determine how often you tank should be pumped. It is the sludge that falls to the bottom that your getting rid of.

House hold cleaners will kill the active bacteria that is needed to break down the solids.

Still unless you go overboard with it should not be a problem.

The additives might help then in that case BUT what you don't want is too much of one thing.

Too many solids, too much bleach, and too much bacteria. Too much bacteria will get themselves out of solids.

[FISHINGFARMER]

We found the best thing to use is common cooking yeast.

Every six months pour a small packet into the system.

Another thing that will greatly reduce the time between pumping of the tank is to totally avoid any tissue or toilet paper contain the letter "C" in the beginning of the product brand name. Since doing so we tripled our time between clean outs.

Hope this helps you out.

Farmer

[Hwood]

Ow the good old out house, sure had its place.

[BobT]

Size of tank and number of people in the house determine how often you tank should be pumped. It is the sludge that falls to the bottom that your getting rid of.

House hold cleaners will kill the active bacteria that is needed to break down the solids.

Still unless you go overboard with it should not be a problem.

The additives might help then in that case BUT what you don't want is too much of one thing.

Too many solids, too much bleach, and too much bacteria. Too much bacteria will get themselves out of solids.

I agree. I believe that if you are forced to use products like RID-EX to maintain your system, you need to consider a change in your habits. Try to use septic safe products for doing your laundry and household cleaning. They are out there. Even toilet tissue can be a problem. Some are not septic safe.

[caseymcq]

... Dropping a pound of hamburger is not any more effective than dropping a pound of pooh into the tank. In fact, the pound of pooh is probably the most effective treatment you can give it. ...

From reading the cooking and receipe sharing forum I would imagine there are quite a few of the fellas here that probably do some combination of that on a daily basis

[Redlantern]

That is funny, Casey.