The Top 5 Best Septic Cleaner Products You Can Buy These Days (from a Septic Industry Expert)

Maintaining a healthy septic system is crucial for any homeowner. The right septic cleaner not only ensures the smooth functioning of your system but also prevents costly repairs…

…and some products can save you THOUSANDS of dollars in septic system and drain field repairs. 

This is a list of septic cleaners and maintenance products that ACTUALLY WORK, based on reviews and from looking at the science behind the products themselves (and a few from experience).  

In other words, we tried to avoid the typical bacteria additives that don’t actually provide enough bacteria or enzymes to make a difference (super common in the industry). You could probably also call this “The Top 5 Most Advanced Septic Additives”. 

Notes & Disclaimer: 

• All of the products listed here are — according to the manufacturers — safe for people and the environment unless we’ve noted otherwise. YOU SHOULD STILL CHECK THIS INFORMATION FOR YOURSELF. 
• This info is the opinion of an industry expert, but you should always decide for yourself which product is best for you and your system.

Here’s a list of the top 5 best septic cleaners, along with some details:

1. Drain Field Cleaner by Dr. Pooper

• Purpose: Total System Cleaner (including the Drain Field) + “Stay-Clean Maintenance.” Also eliminates odors and cleans grease traps and cesspools. 
• What it Does: Cleans organic solids (sludge, scum, clogs) in septic tanks and drain fields by “super-activating the reproduction of bacteria in the system by up to 40 times”. 
• Main Ingredient: Proprietary Accelerator by Dr. Pooper®️ formula plus a boost of bacteria
• Why it is Special: “Not just another bacteria or enzyme additive… The Accelerator by Dr. Pooper formula is a bio-accelerator which means it multiplies the reproduction of bacteria by up to 40 times.” This makes a lot of sense. Even a 10X increase in bacteria is waaaay more than your typical bacteria additive pack would add to a system. It’s probably the first innovation in the septic additives space in decades — and maybe ever. It was apparently developed for use in municipal applications (where there’s real money and interest for research and development) so we’re rating this as the top. The Drain Field Cleaner tablets are the more concentrated (and commercial) form of their original formula. 
• Form: Tablets
• Dosing Recommendation: 2 Tablets every 3 days for cleaning OR 1 tablet twice monthly for maintenance
• Amazon Link: Drain Field Cleaner by Dr. Pooper

2. Accelerator by Dr. Pooper Liquid®

• Purpose: Septic Tank Cleaner & Maintenance. Also eliminates septic odors. 
• What it Does: Cleans organic solids (sludge, scum, clogs) by “super-activating the reproduction of bacteria in the system by up to 40 times”. (same core formula as Drain Field Cleaner)
• Main Ingredient: Proprietary Accelerator by Dr. Pooper®️ formula (same core formula as Drain Field Cleaner; does not include bacteria “boost”)
• Why it is Special: “Not just another bacteria or enzyme additive… The Accelerator by Dr. Pooper formula is a bio-accelerator which means it multiplies the reproduction of bacteria by up to 40 times.” This is the original formula from Dr. Pooper (that’s their real name). The Drain Field Cleaner is basically the way more concentrated version of this. 
• Form: Liquid (arrives as a powder in a bottle and you add water to activate it)
• Dosing Recommendation: There’s an initial “loading dose” (included in bottle), then 1 oz every week. The bottle is a dosing bottle that measures an ounce for you. 
• Amazon Link: Accelerator by Dr. Pooper® Liquid

3. Bio Safe One Bio-112

• Purpose: Cleaner & Maintenance for Septic Systems & Drain Fields. Also eliminates septic odors. Unclogs drains. 
• What it Does: Cleans organic solids (sludge, scum, clogs) to “unclog & restore septic systems and grease traps systems.”
• Main Ingredient: “Top rated patented septic tank treatment sludge digest formula”
• Why it is Special: This appears to be a strong and proven bacteria formula. The main thing is that they’ve provided enough — in a 5-gallon bucket — to make a difference in your septic system. 
• Form: Liquid
• Dosing Recommendation: Depends on the age of the system and the severity of the problem. Per the website, treatment could be between 1 and 5 5-gallon buckets along with other products from the company. Maintenance is 10 to 20 ounces monthly. 
• Amazon Link: Bio-Safe One BIO-112

4. Septi-Flow Shock (4-Pack)

• Purpose: Cleaning Hardened Deadpan Soil & Maintenance (not organic solids)
• What it Does: Unclogs minerals that create “deadpan” soil in drain/leach fields
• Main Ingredient: “Super Concentrated Septic Drain Field Cleaner”
• Why it is Special: Septic-Flow Shock addresses deadpan soil, which is not properly addressed by other products
• Form: Liquid
• Dosing Recommendation: 2-gallons at first treatment, then 2 more gallons after a week 
• Amazon Link: Septi-Flow Shock 4-Pack

5. Bio Safe One BSA 10001

• Purpose: Maintenance for Septic Systems & Drain Fields
• What it Does: Cleans organic solids to keep septic systems clean and unclog drains and sinks
• Main Ingredient: “Trillions of Natural Proprietary Probiotic Bacteria (anaerobic and aerobic), enzymes, micronutrients, bran powder and other inert ingredients less than 1% .”
• Why it is Special: This appears to also be a strong and proven bacteria formula dosed mostly for ongoing maintenance. The included enzymes help make the bacteria more efficient. 
• Form: Powder
• Dosing Recommendation: Use One (1) Bag of B.O.S.S. monthly for every 1-5 persons.
• Amazon Link: Bio-Safe One Inc – BSA 10001

Remember, when choosing a septic cleaner, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your septic system and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use. Always opt for products that are safe for your system and the environment.