We pump hundreds of septic tanks a year across Lexington, Saluda, Newberry, Edgefield, and Greenwood counties. We see what works and what doesn't — because we see the inside of your tank. These are the products we recommend to our own customers.
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Septic Products Our Technicians Actually Recommend
Monthly Septic Tank Treatment — Rid-X Septic Treatment (Monthly Packs)
Why we recommend it: A healthy tank needs active bacteria to break down solids. Household cleaners, antibacterial soaps, and bleach kill those bacteria off. A monthly bacteria treatment helps keep the breakdown process working between pump-outs. It is not a substitute for pumping — nothing is — but it helps slow solids buildup.
Best for: Every septic homeowner, especially households that use a lot of cleaning products.
Our take: Flush one pack a month, same day every month. Skip anything labeled as a "never pump again" miracle additive — those are the tanks we get emergency calls on.
Septic-Safe Toilet Paper — Scott Rapid-Dissolving
Why we recommend it: When we pump a tank, we can tell what toilet paper the household uses. Thick, quilted papers sit in the tank as a mat of solids. Rapid-dissolving paper breaks down fast and keeps your scum layer manageable.
Best for: Homes with older systems, small tanks, or a history of backups.
Our take: The single cheapest change you can make to extend the time between pump-outs.
Effluent Filter — Polylok PL-68
Why we recommend it: An effluent filter is a $30–60 part that protects a $10,000+ drain field. It catches solids before they leave the tank and clog your field lines. Many older tanks in the Midlands were installed without one.
Best for: Any tank without a filter on the outlet tee. Ask us at your next pump-out — we can check and install one on the spot.
Our take: If your system doesn't have one, this is the best money you'll ever spend on your septic system.
Septic-Safe Drain Cleaner — Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Treatment
Why we recommend it: Conventional caustic drain cleaners (the stuff that heats up in the pipe) kill your tank's bacteria and can damage older pipes. Enzyme-based cleaners clear slow drains without nuking your system.
Best for: Slow bathroom sinks and tubs. Not for full blockages — if water isn't moving at all, that's a service call, not a bottle.
Our take: Keep a bottle under the sink. If it doesn't clear in two treatments, call us before it becomes a backup.
Septic Tank Riser Kit — Polylok Riser & Lid
Why we recommend it: If your tank lid is buried 18 inches down, every service call includes digging time — and that's labor you pay for. A riser brings your access lid to grade level. It pays for itself in one or two service visits.
Best for: Any homeowner whose tank lid is buried. Also a strong selling point when you list your home — buyers and inspectors love grade-level access.
Our take: We install these during pump-outs. Buy the kit yourself and have us install it, or ask us to quote the whole job.
Why we recommend it: Tree roots are one of the top causes of sewer line backups we see. Foaming root killer coats the top of the pipe where roots enter, unlike liquid products that just flow past on the bottom. Used once or twice a year, it keeps roots from re-establishing after a line cleaning.
Best for: Homes with mature trees near sewer or field lines, or anyone who's had a root-related backup before.
Our take: This is maintenance, not repair. If roots have already collapsed or offset the pipe, you need a camera inspection — we do those.
Foaming Root Killer — RootX
Products Help. Pumping Is Still the Rule.
No additive, filter, or treatment replaces regular pumping. For most Midlands households, that's every 3–5 years. Not sure when your tank was last pumped? That's exactly when to call.
Santech Sewer & Septic — Licensed septic pumping, grease trap cleaning, and sewer services serving Lexington, Saluda, Newberry, Edgefield & Greenwood counties.
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Bacteria treatments help maintain a healthy tank, but no product eliminates the need for pumping. Be skeptical of anything promising you'll "never pump again."
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Wipes (even "flushable" ones), grease, feminine products, paper towels, cat litter, and harsh chemicals. If it's not wastewater or rapid-dissolving toilet paper, it belongs in the trash.
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Every 3–5 years for most households, more often for large families or smaller tanks. A quick call to 864-323-6104 and we can tell you where you stand.