I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
If the manufacturer of the product can state that the end bi-product results in carbon dioxide and water, then it would be a product that would be beneficial to your septic system. If the manufacturer cannot make that claim then it would not be a product worth purchasing, with one exception. That exception would be if the digesting agent could consistently be evenly distributed within the drainfield without having to go through the septic tank first. If that could be done then the agent would more than likely be of some benefit to your POWTS.


There typically are more than enough bacteria in the wastewater generated daily to do a sufficient job of digesting the biodegradable material in the waste stream. There comes a point where the solids that remain in the tank can no longer be digested and will not be able to undergo further digestion.


If you use strong cleansers conservatively and feel the need to add a digesting aid to assist the bacteria in your septic tank you could add several cakes of yeast to boost the digestion process for a while.


The statement of “saving costs” on pumping your septic tank does not appear to make sense for people living in Wisconsin. All septic systems installed within the last 25-30 years in the State of Wisconsin are required to have the septic tanks pumped at least every 3 years. Where would the cost savings come from?

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1. When do I need a sanitary permit for a POWTS?
2. How do I get a sanitary permit?
3. My septic system is not working anymore. How do I get it replaced with another septic system that works?
4. Does it matter if I do all my laundry in one day?
5. How long are soil tests (perk tests) for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) good for?
6. Why do I need a sanitary permit?
7. How long is a sanitary permit good for?
8. I have heard of County sanitary permits – When are these issued?
9. Do mound systems really work?
10. Can anybody install a Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment System (POWTS)?
11. Can I have a food waste grinder installed in my home even though I have a POWTS?
12. How often should I pump my treatment tank(s)?
13. Are two-chamber or multi-chamber septic tanks better for your POWTS than single chamber tanks?
14. Does having a two-chamber septic tank help to reduce the maintenance frequency of my effluent filter?
15. How often do I have to service the effluent filter in my septic tank?
16. Is there financial assistance available for property owners whose POWTS has failed and needs to be replaced?
17. I see advertisements that say “if I buy this product I can reduce the pumping cost for my septic tank.” Does this really help?
18. How are Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) sized?
19. I want to get a zoning permit for my building addition, so why can’t I use the private onsite wastewater treatment system evaluation that was done when I purchased the home?
20. I have a mound POWTS and I want to landscape it. Can I plant trees and shrubs on or around it?