Additives (Rid X, Green Gobbler, Ect.)…. Do They Really Work?

If you’ve ever walked down the cleaning aisle at a hardware store, you’ve probably seen products like Rid-X, Green Gobbler, and dozens of other septic additives claiming to “boost bacteria” or “keep your system healthy.”

But do these additives actually do anything?

What does the EPA say about septic additives?

Before looking at anything else, it’s worth starting with the most authoritative source: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Here’s the EPA’s official fact sheet on septic additives:

🔗 https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-09/septictankadditivesfactsheet.pdf

And the takeaway is surprisingly direct:

The EPA says septic additives are NOT necessary.

Their guidance states that a septic tank already contains all the bacteria and enzymes it needs to function naturally.

The EPA says additives do NOT replace pumping.

Nothing you pour into a tank can remove solids — only pumping does that.

The EPA warns some additives may cause harm.

Certain products can disturb the sludge and scum layers, pushing solids into the drainfield and causing clogs.

That’s the federal government’s stance in black and white.

What does science say about septic additives?

The most important study: A 12-month test of 48 real septic systems

🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18236933/

Researchers monitored 48 functioning septic tanks for a year — half treated with additives, half untreated.

What they found was pretty simple:

There were no significant differences in bacteria levels, sludge breakdown, or system performance.

In other words, the tanks with additives didn’t work any better than the tanks without them.

Kansas State University

🔗 https://bookstore.ksre.ksu.edu/pubs/MF2877.pdf

KSU concluded:

• Additives provide little or no benefit

• Some additives emulsify solids, risking drainfield damage

• Regular pumping is the only proven maintenance method

North Dakota State University

🔗 https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/home-farm/septic-system-additives

NDSU found:

• Additives aren’t needed in a properly functioning system

• Some may interfere with system processes

• Additives don’t eliminate the need for pumping

RCAP / Private Well Class

🔗 https://www.rcapsolutions.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Septic-Additives-Fact-Sheet.pdf

These experts summarize the research simply:

“There is no evidence of improvement in septic system performance with the use of additives.”

So what do we recommend?

Pump the tank every 3–5 years

EPA maintenance guidance:

https://www.epa.gov/septic/how-care-your-septic-system

Avoid bleach and harsh chemicals

These kill the natural bacteria your system needs.

Protect the drainfield

No parking, driving, or planting deep-rooted trees on it.

These practices are proven. Additives are not.