According to Septic Tank TV, pouring harmful solutions and chemicals into your toilet (regardless of your cleaning reasons) can lead to stinky and stomach-churning problems in the future. They can cause the formation of sludge that can cause blockage of pipes resulting in overflowing tanks and foul odors. Nonetheless, there is one simple way to resolve this: septic tank treatments.

Pouring harmful solutions and chemicals into your toilet can lead to stinky and stomach-churning problems in the future. They can cause the formation of sludge that can cause blockage of pipes resulting in overflowing tanks and foul odors.

Septic Tank TV

The septic tank treatments are the most cost-efficient way to resolve this. They prevent you from spending hundreds to thousands of dollars just to hire professionals who would remove sludge formation and blockage in the tank.

Nowadays, there are various forms of septic treatments that aim to deliver natural solutions in solving septic problems. Compared to the old forms of treatments like the use of inorganic acids, organic solvents, and hydrogen peroxide, newer innovative septic tank treatments are designed to promote the health of tanks and prevent any further damages. 

Biological additives are the best and the most recommended way to treat tanks in the most natural and safest way. Septic treatments using such ingredients won’t only solve the present clogging or overflowing issues of tanks, but they can also promote long-term solutions to prevent further problems from occurring.

Normally, such kind of treatment promotes a healthy ecosystem within tanks where a sufficient population of bacteria is needed. By allowing the bacteria to thrive in tanks with the aid of biological additives, you can be sure that your tank will function normally for years. This means lesser possibilities of overflowing tanks and the need for professional help which can cost you a lot.

One good example of a biological additive is the GreenPig Solutions Live Septic Tank Treatment. It introduces billions of active bacteria that quickly multiply to digest sludge grease paper and solid waste in a matter of a week.  Most of al, it can be used to tanks with a capacity as big as 1500 gallons.

The mentioned treatment nonetheless, might not suit your needs as treatments come in a variety of forms and so as the longevity of the effect. If you own a smaller size of tank, using pre-measured treatments like the one above might not be advisable as too much treatment can cause imbalance in the ecosystem. With this, treatment in liquid form like Roebic K-37-Q will be more beneficial.

There are othe forms of treatments like powder and tablets. Apparently, their forms affect their ease of use. With this, there is a lot of factors that must be taken into account in order to find the best treatment that suits the need of your tank.

To be of your help, we rounded up the 5 best treatments currently available in the market. After a series of tests and comparisons, we hope to highlight their best features that would help you decide. Based on the factual information and independent judgment of our group of experts, we also ranked them in order to help you see which one offers the best value. To check on them further, just click on the buttons we prepared below.

Best Septic Treatments Comparison & Rating

Septic Treatments

Features

GREEN PIG 53 2 Year Live Tank Treatment Aids in The Breakdown of Septic Waste to Prevent Backups with Easy Dissolvable Flush Packets, Supply-8 Count
  • apply every 3 months
  • 500 to 1500 gallons
  • pre-measured packs
Septic Tank Treatment - 1 Year Supply of Dissolvable Easy Flush Live Bacteria Packets (12 Count) - Best Way to Prevent Expensive Sewage Backups - Made in USA
  • one-year supply
  • 12 flush-dissolving packets
  • 1000-gallon tank capacity
BioTab for Septic system (14 Tablets) 8 ozs (226.5g)
  • 14 tablets for 1 year
  • 1,000-gallon capacity
  • monthly treatment
Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes, 3 Month Supply Septi-Pacs, 3.2oz
  • easy-to-use dissolvable pouches
  • monthly treatment
  • 700- to 1500-gallon tanks
Roebic K-37-Q Septic Tank Treatment Removes Clogs, Environmentally Friendly Bacteria Enzymes Safe for Toilets, Sinks, and Showers, Works for 1 Year, 32 Ounces, 32 Fl Oz
  • one-year supply
  • 500-gallon tank capacity
  • twice a year application

1. GreenPig Solutions Live Septic Tank Treatment

GREEN PIG 53 2 Year Live Tank Treatment Aids in The Breakdown of Septic Waste to Prevent Backups with Easy Dissolvable Flush Packets, Supply-8 Count
Specifications:
99% Overall

Brand

GreenPig

Frequency of Application

Every 3 months

Form

Packets

Content

Available in 1 (4 packets), 2 (8 packets), 3 (12 packets), 5-year (20 packets), and bulk supplies (60 packets).

98%
performance
99%
ease of use & convenience
98%
coverage
99%
value for money
Pros:
  • 100% natural, safe, and environmentally friendly. It is proven to contain zero harsh chemicals and is formaldehyde-free.
  • Has a big tank size coverage.
  • Very convenient and only needs to be applied every 3 months.
  • Offers excellent value.
  • Concentrated and offers fast results.
  • Safe to use with any septic system.
Cons:
  • Using it to a smaller tank is inconvenient as each pack is meant for tanks as big as 500 gallons and above.
Final Take:

Just like the Cabin Obsession treatment, the GreenPig Solutions Live Septic Tank Treatment comes in packs (called ‘solupaks’). With this, applying it is mess-free and easy. Furthermore, compared to the former, it is only applied every 3 months which means more convenience on the end of users.

Despite this fact, the brand prides itself on filler-free treatment packs which offer concentrated content. Given the speed of how the results show in terms of an odor-free toilet and dry leach field, it is indeed believable. Upon our test, the work of the active bacteria from this treatment manifests as early as the first week which can challenge the performance of the Cabin Obsession treatment.

Each pack contains one billion septic tank bacteria that will populate and multiply in the septic to digest different kinds of solid waste. It is very efficient in digesting sludge, grease, paper, and other solid waste. The packs dissolve easily in seconds after exposure to liquid which allows fast and easy flushing. Moreover, each pack can handle tank sizes ranging from 500 to 1500 gallons which is extremely great. With this, you can really say that you get what you are paying for due to the large coverage it offers.

Further, besides the 1 year supply that contains 4 packs the company is offering, the product is also available in 2, 3, 5, and bulk packages which means you have the option to enjoy it for years.

2. Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment

Septic Tank Treatment - 1 Year Supply of Dissolvable Easy Flush Live Bacteria Packets (12 Count) - Best Way to Prevent Expensive Sewage Backups - Made in USA
Specifications:
98% Overall

Brand

Cabin Obsession

Frequency of Application

Every month

Form

Packets

Content

12 packets

98%
performance
98%
ease of use & convenience
97%
coverage
98%
value for money
Pros:
  • The packs easily dissolve.
  • Easy application.
  • Offers the best value and reasonably priced.
  • Results manifest within a week of use.
  • Frequent application means consistent maintenance which will benefit your tank.
  • Allows continuous activity of bacteria and enzymes.
Cons:
  • Some people might find the monthly application of the treatment inconvenient. Nonetheless, using it is so easy.
Final Take:

When it comes to the best value, this tank treatment from Cabin Obsession is at the top of the list. It comes in a one-year supply of live bacteria or 12 flush-dissolving packets, with each one good for a monthly tank treatment. What we love about this is the frequency of its application. Given that it is applied monthly, you have the assurance that your tank is getting the right “maintenance” it needs all year round. What’s even better is that using it is incredibly easy. Compared to other solutions that come in liquid and powder forms like the Roebic K-37-Q, it needs no measurement and the packs themselves are ready to be flushed into the toilet. No fuss at all!

Each pack contains billions of active bacteria cultures that are scientifically selected by the brand to produce and recharge the enzymes needed to process solid materials into the decomposition stage. Most of all, the ingredients are natural and use no chemical additives, allowing the uninterrupted action of bacteria in the tank. Most of all, it is proven safe for all home plumbing lines, be it black water systems or cesspool, aerobic, and anaerobic septic systems.

It has at least a 1000-gallon tank capacity which is substantial enough for most residential sizes of tanks. It can also be used for marine holding tanks and camper toilets and you’ll still get the best result. During our test, it exhibited the most favorable results when it comes to the common unwanted odor in tanks. As said, it uses no harmful ingredients and is not scented for the sake of covering up the tank odor. Instead, the treatment itself eliminates the odor during the digestion process and we saw results as early as the first week of application. Truly stellar.

3. BioTab Septic System Treatment

BioTab for Septic system (14 Tablets) 8 ozs (226.5g)
Specifications:
97% Overall

Brand

BioTab

Frequency of Application

Every month

Form

Tablets

Content

14 tablets

96%
performance
97%
ease of use & convenience
97%
coverage
97%
value for money
Pros:
  • The most convenient way to treat septic tanks.
  • Pre-measured and doesn’t crumble.
  • Perfect for aerobic and anaerobic systems.
  • Comes with a one-year supply of tablets.
  • Fairly priced compared to other options.
Cons:
  • Pre-measured so using it to smaller tanks is not advisable.
Final Take:

If packets are not for you, another convenient pre-measured option is a tablet form of treatment. This solution from BioTab contains 14 tablets that offer mess-free flushing of solution. Each tablet is a highly-concentrated treatment that houses aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and enzymes. With a single tablet for each month, it is also a very ideal maintenance for tanks to ensure the ecosystem in them is continuously thriving.

For further convenience, the bottle comes with a handy tracking sticker on the top to help you record the tablets used per month. It is also safe both for humans and animals and so as for the plumbing or septic systems. It is non-corrosive and non-poisonous and deemed safe by the EPA.

Also, despite the sizes of the tablets, they can cove at least a tank with a 1,000-gallon size easily. Its action isn’t as fast as the performance of other leading brands but we love how consistent its work is in dissolving paper and other solid-based materials in the tank. As for the removal of odor, it is top-notch and very reliable that as early as 2 weeks, you’ll get rid of it.

4. Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes

Rid-X Septic Tank Treatment Enzymes, 3 Month Supply Septi-Pacs, 3.2oz
Specifications:
97% Overall

Brand

Rid-X

Frequency of Application

Every month

Form

Packets

Content

3 packets

97%
performance
98%
ease of use & convenience
98%
coverage
94%
value for money
Pros:
  • Contains no harmful chemicals that can be too strong for all types of tanks, pipes, plumbing, hoses, caps, and valves.
  • Produced by a trusted brand that has been in the industry for more than 50 years now.
  • The packs easily dissolve.
  • Easy application.
  • Uses a wide variety of ingredients for fast and efficient action.
Cons:
  • One of the most expensive brands on the list, but offers great performance for the price you’ll pay.
Final Take:

What makes this Rid-X tank treatment is the transparency of the active ingredients included in its mixture. It uses cellulase for the breakdown of toilet paper, vegetable matter, and some foods; lipase for fats, oils, and grease; protease breaks down proteins; and amylase for starches. With these ingredients, you are assured of safe treatment that won’t cause any harm to the health of the septic tank itself.

Just like the products from the Cabin Obsession and GreenPig Solutions, the treatment comes in pre-measured, easy-to-use dissolvable pouches. The application is smooth and the pouches can be easily flushed down the toilet as it dissolves easily. Moreover, it can handle 700- to 1500-gallon tanks which are considerable enough to be used for huge households with multiple toilets.

We also love that it works like the Cabin Obsession Septic Tank Treatment that you need to apply every month. Just by flushing down a single pouch, you can maintain the good health of your septic tank all year.

On the other hand, comparing its pack and content to the prices of other brands, it is undeniably more expensive. Nonetheless, given the efficiency of the treatment and the showing as early as 2 weeks, we say it is still a viable option.

5. Roebic K-37-Q Septic Tank Treatment

Roebic K-37-Q Septic Tank Treatment Removes Clogs, Environmentally Friendly Bacteria Enzymes Safe for Toilets, Sinks, and Showers, Works for 1 Year, 32 Ounces, 32 Fl Oz
Specifications:
95% Overall

Brand

Roebic

Frequency of Application

Every 6 months

Form

Liquid

Content

32 fluid ounces

96%
performance
94%
ease of use & convenience
95%
coverage
95%
value for money
Pros:
  • The bottle can last a year.
  • Easy application.
  • Best for small sizes of tanks.
  • Very convenient and no need to apply every month.
  • Has a long-lasting effect on the ecosystem in the tank.
Cons:
  • Comes in liquid form that would need to be measured before application.
Final Take:

If you have smaller septic tank sizes and not a fan of packed treatments, the Roebic K-37-Q is a good choice to have. Due to its nature as a liquid form of treatment, you can calculate the amount you just need for the specific size of tank you have. It is additional work but very ideal for those with unconventional sizes of tanks. This makes it popular among households with tanks with only a limited capacity of 500 gallons.

It is also very satisfying to use since you can directly pour the liquid solution into the toilet. Compared to pouch forms, you can directly flush it down right after pouring. Most of all, it is very convenient as you only need to apply it twice a year!

It contains an all-natural biodegradable formulation with patented Roetech bacteria. The formula boasts of aerobic spore-bearing bacteria that are resistant to soaps and detergents, ensuring you the efficiency you need for your tank treatment. The bacteria is pretty aggressive but the solution itself is odorless which is also a big plus, given that it is in liquid form.

Best Septic Treatments - Buyer's Guide

tank size

One of the important points you should consider before purchasing treatment is the size of your tank. The concentration of the treatments offers different levels of effects depending on the size of the septic tank. While many can handle as big as 1500-gallon tanks, some could only deal with 500-gallon tank size.

Keep in mind that using treatment that is not sufficient for a large-sized tank will result in the poor performance of the solution. Conversely, too much treatment introduced to a small tank can lead to imbalance in the ecosystem of bacteria in tank. With this, make sure that the treatment complements the size of your tank.

frequency

Treating your septic tank every three or six months is a more convenient way to handle the issue instead of a monthly treatment. The variation of suggested frequencies of applications of different brands depends on the type of bacteria/enzyme they contain. Furthermore, the concentration of the solution can also explain this. Nonetheless, having a monthly application of treatment is also good as it means regular maintenance for the tank. That said, you can be sure that the bacteria and enzyme within the tank are continuously thriving.

form

Most treatments now come in water-soluble packs and it is a good thing since it would save you from the work of measuring the solutions yourself. Nonetheless, if you find it troubling to flush a pod or bag of solution into your tank, you can opt for the brands that offer them in liquid, powder, or tablet forms. Also, if you have a smaller size of tank, pre-measured treatments might not suit your needs. With this, liquid or powder forms are better as they would allow you to customize the measurements of treatment you will introduce to the tank.

cost

We consider this before creating the list of our best bets for the most effective septic treatments. While some of them come at expensive prices, keep in mind that they are a part of your household maintenance needs. Also, keep in mind that purchasing a cheap brand would not always guarantee you a great deal. Likewise, purchasing the most expensive one would not always guarantee you the best features. This is why we carefully selected the items that can offer you the best performance at the most reasonable prices.

Best Septic Treatments - FAQs

Is septic tank treatment important?

While the decomposition process in the septic tanks occurs naturally, tanks sometimes take a lot of time to do this, especially when they are filled with matters that are somehow hard to be processed. This can cause the overflowing of tanks and clogging of pipes. This is why septic tank treatments are important since they encourage faster decomposition of matters in the tank.

Can septic tank treatments help in the breakdown of plastics?

No, they can’t. Septic tank treatments are only meant to release enzymes that can process paper and other organic materials. plastics, sand, and gravel are some of the items that cannot be broken down by any type of enzyme.

How often should I use septic treatments?

The application of the septic tank treatment will depend on the suggested frequency of application by the brand you are going to choose. The variation of suggested frequencies of applications of different brands depends on the type of bacteria/enzyme they contain. Furthermore, the concentration of the solution can also explain this.

How does a septic treatment work?

The septic treatment works by releasing or producing enzymes that can aid bacteria to break down solid content in the tank on the molecular level. This will make the bacteria a greater and faster capability to digest the content of the tank.

Author

Jimmy Black started his career as a construction and carpenter foreman. After years of hard work, he decided to go on his own. Now, Jimmy is one of the trusted experts at SolidSmack who knows at first glance whether your hammer would do a great job or not. He still involves himself in various construction projects and works for individual clients. Behind formalities, he enjoys being a father to two lovely kids who keep on asking him why they can’t quit school and travel the world like Dora The Explorer.