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Treatment Guide
Septic-Flow Shock Application Instructions
Treatment for Septic Tank/Drain Field
For Slow or Sluggish Drain Fields/Septic Tanks:
Start with 3 gallons of product. Use 1 gallon of product via the toilet, sink or drain closest to the septic tank outlet. Next Apply 1 gallon of product into the drain field soil directly. After 1 week add another 1 gallon.. Flush freely with water to distribute it throughout the septic system drain field.
For Drain Field and Leach Field Maintenance:
Use 1 gallon every 6 months via the toilet or nearest drain closest to the septic tank.
Restoring Failed Drain Fields or Leach Systems:
Start with 5 gallons of product. Apply minimum of 3-4 gallons of product directly to the drain field soil. Apply the final 1-2 gallons via the distribution box / cleanout or septic tank opening. For waterlogged systems, try to drain off as much excess water as possible before treatment. Use a hose and add 40-80 gallons of water to the distribution box with the product to ensure it makes it through the drain fields entire system. If you can not access the distribution or "D-Box", it may be necessary to add additional product via the toilet or sink.
The directions may need to be repeated for seriously slow or completely “locked” soil, especially clay type soils. Warning:Septic tanks can be hazardous as noxious gasses can form in the septic tank. Opening the tank may release these gasses, and precautions should be taken to ensure you do not breathe these gasses. If in doubt have a professional service your tank with our products.
Basic Septic Tank and System Information
Septic systems treat and disperse relatively small volumes of wastewater from individual and small numbers of homes and commercial buildings. Septic system regulation is usually a state and local responsibility. The EPA provides information to homeowners and assistance to state and local governments to improve the management of septic tanks to prevent failures that could harm human health and water quality. 
If your septic tank failed, or you know someone whose did, you are not alone. As a homeowner, you are responsible for maintaining your septic system. Proper septic system maintenance will help keep your system from failing and will help maintain your investment in your home. Failing septic systems can contaminate the ground water that you and your neighbors drink and can pollute nearby rivers, lakes and coastal waters.
Ten Steps to Keep Your Septic Tank and System Working Properly:
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Locate your septic tank and drain field. Keep a drawing of these locations in your records.
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Have your septic system inspected at least every three years.
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Don't dispose of household hazardous waste in sinks or toilets.
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Keep other household items, such as dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, and cat litter out of your system.
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Use water efficiently.
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Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the system. Also, do not apply manure or fertilizers over the drainfield.
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Keep vehicles and livestock off your septic system. The weight can damage the pipes and tank, and your system may not drain properly under compacted soil.
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Keep gutters and basement sump pumps from draining into or near your septic system.
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Check with your local health department before using additives. Commercial septic tank additives do not eliminate the need for periodic pumping and can be harmful to your system.
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Make sure your drainfield actually drains away from your home and that there is n o standing water on the drainfield area.
How Does a Septic System Work?
A typical septic system has four main components: a pipe from the home, a septic tank, a drainfield, and 
the soil. Microbes in the soil digest and remove most contaminants from wastewater before it eventually reaches groundwater. The septic tank is a buried, watertight container typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene. It holds the wastewater long enough to allow solids to settle out (forming sludge), and oil and grease to float to the surface (as scum). It also allows partial decomposition of the solid materials. Compartments and a T-shaped outlet in the septic tank prevent the sludge and scum from leaving the tank and traveling into the drainfield area. Screens are also recommended to keep solids from entering the drainfield. The wastewater exits the septic tank and is discharged into the drainfield for further treatment by the soil. Micro-organisms in the soil provide final treatment by removing harmful bacteria, viruses and nutrients.
Your Septic Tank is Your Responsibility
Did you know that, as a homeowner, you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system? Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home? Did you know that you should periodically inspect your system and pump out your septic tank?
If properly designed, constructed and maintained, your septic system can provide long-term, effective treatment of household wastewater. If your septic system isn’t maintained, you might need to replace it, costing you thousands of dollars. A malfunctioning septic tank can contaminate groundwater that might be a source of drinking water. And if you sell your home, your septic system must be in good working order.
Pump Septic Tank Frequently
You should have your septic system inspected at least every three years by a professional, and have your tank pumped as necessary (generally every three to five years).
Use Water Efficiently
Average indoor water use in the typical single-family home is almost 70 gallons per person per day. Dripping faucets can waste about 2,000 gallons of water each year. Leaky toilets can waste as much as 200 gallons each day. The more water a household conserves, the less water enters the septic system.
Flush Responsibly
Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, condoms, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, paper towels, and other kitchen and bathroom waste can clog and potentially damage septic system components. Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, anti-freeze and paint can stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system, as well as contaminate surface waters and groundwater.
How Do I Maintain My Septic Tank/System?
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Use bacteria and enzymes to help with septic system maintenance. Also use a septic system product that can help soap laden clogged soil and clay flow freely again. Soaps and detergents from household use eventually clog the surrounding soil and clay thereby stopping septic field flow. Even pumping the tank will not free these clogged drain field lines.
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Plant only grass over and near your septic system. Roots from nearby trees or shrubs might clog and damage the drain field.
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Don’t drive or park vehicles on any part of your septic tank system. Doing so can compact the soil in your drainfield or damage the pipes, the tank or other septic system components.
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Keep roof drains, basement sump pump drains, and other rainwater and surface water drainage systems away from the drainfield. Flooding the drainfield with excessive water slows down or stops treatment processes and can cause plumbing fixtures to back up.
Why should I maintain my septic tank/system?
A key reason to maintain your septic system is to save money! Failing septic systems are expensive to repair or replace, and poor maintenance is often the culprit. Having your septic system inspected (at least every three years) is a bargain when you consider the cost of replacing the entire system. Your system will need pumping every three to five years, depending on how many people live in the house and the size of the system. An unusable septic system or one in disrepair will lower your property’s value and could pose a legal liability. Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of infection and disease, and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater are nitrogen phosphorus, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. Nitrogen and phosphorus are aquatic plant nutrients that can cause unsightly algae blooms.