If you own a home with a septic system in Cartersville or the surrounding North Georgia area, chances are you’ve heard a few pieces of advice—some helpful, others not so much—about what you should be adding to your septic tank. Between hardware store additives, homemade remedies, and neighborhood myths, it can be tough to know what your septic system really needs.
At Metro Septic, we’ve been servicing and installing septic systems across Georgia for years, and we’ve seen firsthand what helps—and what hurts—your tank’s long-term health. So, let’s clear the air: do you really need to add anything to your septic tank?
Here’s the truth behind the additives, the maintenance, and how to keep your system running smoothly for years to come.
What Happens Inside Your Septic Tank?
First, it’s helpful to understand how your septic tank works. Every time you flush, shower, or run the dishwasher, wastewater flows into your tank. Inside, the tank separates the solids from the liquids:
- Solids sink to the bottom and form sludge
- Fats, oils, and grease float to the top as scum
- Liquid effluent flows out to the drain field, where it is naturally filtered by soil
Bacteria inside the tank naturally break down the organic waste, helping reduce the volume of solids over time. But here’s the key point: your septic system is already designed to work naturally—without constant interference.
Are Additives Necessary?
In most cases, no—you don’t need to add anything to your septic tank if it’s functioning properly and being pumped on schedule. Your system already contains the bacteria it needs to break down waste.
That said, many companies market biological or chemical additives that claim to:
- Improve tank performance
- Eliminate odors
- Reduce the need for pumping
- Restore failed drain fields
The truth? Independent studies, including those from the EPA, show little to no benefit from routine additive use—and in some cases, chemical additives can even disrupt your tank’s natural bacterial balance or damage your pipes.
When an Additive Might Help
There are a few limited situations when a biological additive (like enzymes or beneficial bacteria) might be helpful:
- After heavy use of antibacterial cleaning products that may have disrupted bacteria in the tank
- After starting a brand-new septic system, where bacteria levels haven’t had time to build up
- Following certain medications or medical treatments, which could impact the bacterial activity in your waste
In these cases, a natural, enzyme-based product recommended by your septic professional might help reestablish bacterial balance—but it should never replace regular maintenance or inspections.
What You Shouldn’t Add to Your Tank
This is where many septic systems get into trouble. Avoid adding or flushing the following into your tank:
- Bleach or harsh chemicals (these kill beneficial bacteria)
- “Flushable” wipes (they don’t break down and can clog your system)
- Grease or oil (these build up quickly and float on top as scum)
- Coffee grounds, eggshells, or food waste (these add unnecessary solids)
- Chemical additives like drain cleaners or degreasers (can damage pipes and the tank environment)
- Gasoline, paint, or solvents (never put hazardous chemicals into your system)
Even if a label says “septic safe,” always double-check with a licensed septic provider before adding anything to your tank.
The Most Important Thing You Can Add: Regular Maintenance
The best “additive” for your septic system? A consistent maintenance plan. That includes:
- Pumping your tank every 3–5 years, depending on household size and usage
- Having your system inspected by a licensed professional, especially if you notice slow drains or odors
- Being mindful of what goes down your drains, including water usage and household products
At Metro Septic in Cartersville, we offer professional pumping, inspections, and repair services to help your system stay efficient and problem-free. Our team can also assess any additives you’re considering and let you know if they’re necessary—or just hype.
What About Homemade Septic Additives?
You may have heard old-school advice like flushing yeast, baking soda, or even rotten tomatoes to “feed” the bacteria in your tank. While these items may not be harmful in small amounts, they’re not necessary and won’t prevent your system from needing professional cleaning.
Modern septic systems are better served by common-sense practices like water conservation, using septic-safe products, and keeping a consistent pumping schedule.
Signs You Might Need Professional Help
If you’ve been relying on additives or haven’t had your tank serviced in a while, be on the lookout for signs your system needs attention:
- Gurgling sounds in your pipes
- Slow drains in your sinks, showers, or toilets
- Wet spots or unpleasant odors in your yard
- Toilets backing up or flushing slowly
- Overly lush grass growing above your drain field
These symptoms mean it’s time to call a professional—not rely on a store-bought solution.
Trust Metro Septic for Straight Answers
Serving Cartersville and the surrounding areas, Metro Septic is your local expert in honest, dependable septic care. We don’t upsell unnecessary products or push trendy additives—instead, we offer:
- Reliable septic tank pumping and cleaning
- Camera inspections and diagnostics
- Drain field repair and installation
- Honest advice from licensed professionals who live and work in your community
We’re here to help you protect your home, your system, and your wallet—without the gimmicks.
A Smarter Approach to Septic Care
In most cases, your septic tank doesn’t need anything extra—just your attention, care, and routine maintenance. Avoid flushing chemicals, be careful with what goes down the drain, and let your system work the way it was designed to.
And if you ever have questions about your tank’s health or whether an additive might be appropriate, Metro Septic in Cartersville is just a phone call away.
Contact us today to schedule your next septic tank service or inspection—we’ll keep your system running right, the simple and honest way.