Do leach field additives work?

• <div><p>Some homeowners use additives every month to help septic system performance, but according to the <a href="https://www.epa.gov/septic/frequent-questions-septic-systems">U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</a>, the effectiveness of septic system and leach field additives is unknown. Further, additives made with organic solvents or alkali chemicals can actually be harmful to the necessary bacteria in a septic system.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Drain Cleaning pros in Reading, MI

*The Angi rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Reading, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Drain Cleaning companies in Reading, MI is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Drain Cleaning needs.

Last update on November 24, 2025

Reviewed in November 2025
Jacob knows his plumbing! Very impressive with his work personality and time. He promised work would be done on the day and it was. He is my go to plumber/drain professional. I highly recommend hom’m
Jacobs plumbing & drain cleaning
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Reviewed in June 2020
did not quote just cleaning my gutters
Leaf Home Bath
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Reviewed in July 2018
Very straight forward communication. Clean and quick
M&M Tree Service
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Reviewed in December 2016
After the completion of the air testing, I hired them to put drain tile and replace the insulation in the crawl space. Greg and Carrie were excellent to work with and kept me well informed. Would use them again in the future.
Restoration Environmental Safety Technologies, LLC
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Reviewed in January 2016
Joe was extremely professional and even showed us a price sheet before working so we would know the cost upfront. The price was pretty high but I realize that is dictated by Roto-Rooter, not the individual technician. He was there wirhin 90 minutes of our call and arrived within the timeframe...
Roto-Rooter
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Reviewed in October 2014
Actual work of drying out our basement from a clogged drain pipe was less than satisfactory. Tear out was not complete and requires extra work by the re construct team. Our incident was on a holiday and the young man who came advised we were lucky that he answered his phone. They failed to...
BMS CAT & Mellon Certified Restoration
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Reviewed in February 2014
Modern informed me that a drain I covered up with tile was the place he was going to have to snake out, I informed him that I was told that the drain under that tile was not functional from the other contractor that I called last year to do my drain. Modern said this was the best place to go...
MODERN SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING
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Reviewed in January 2014
Their services were good. The on-site guy that came out and helped diagnose the problem was pleasant and diagnosed the problem correctly. He ended up snaking out the laundry drain and not the main. This saved an extra trip out, as they did not have the proper equipment with them in the truck to...
Cut-Rate Plumbing, Inc.
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Reviewed in November 2013
We are selling our home and provided a well and septic inspection to the buyer. The crew was here on time and were professional. They did not measure the sludge. They did give advice on well and septic systems. They were in and out within a 1/2 hour and I was not sure what I paid for? They...
D & H Environmental
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Reviewed in September 2013
Got right in, fluids checked, windows washed, I opted to skip the tire pressure check because the car has electronic pressure sensors. Oil drained, filter changed, refilled oil (6 quart sump) leak check, and out the door in about 20 minutes. No fuss no muss, exactly the maintenance needed in...
MOBIL 1 LUBE EXPRESS
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Drain Cleaning questions, answered by experts

Some homeowners use additives every month to help septic system performance, but according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the effectiveness of septic system and leach field additives is unknown. Further, additives made with organic solvents or alkali chemicals can actually be harmful to the necessary bacteria in a septic system.

Unlike regular cleanings, snaking your sewer line should be done as needed. There’s no reason to snake your sewer line if you don’t have any noticeable issues, like slow drainage or plugged drains. You can add it to your regular sewer cleaning checklist as a prevention method (on the same 18- to 22-month schedule), but it’s not always necessary.

On average, a plumber will take 30 minutes to two hours to clear a clogged drain. If the clog is located close to the drain or an access point and isn’t severe, the project will take about half an hour. If the clog is deep within your plumbing system or is a severe blockage, it can take two or more hours to remove the clog. For this reason, main line clogs tend to take longer, usually between two and three hours.

That pungent rotten egg smell coming from your drain is likely the buildup of biofilm—hair, skin, and soap scum that turns into a black sticky mess. In this case, pouring down near-boiling water, baking soda, and white vinegar will remove the smell. Keep in mind that a rotten egg smell is occasionally a sign of larger sewage line clogs and other related issues.

A professional drain cleaner is a plumber or specialized drain cleaner with the necessary tools to unclog drains and tiles to keep waste water flowing out to the septic tank or city sewer for processing. Keeping wastewater from backing up into your home helps keep you and your family safe from potential contamination and sickness. These pros can help resolve nearly any drain situation in a safe and efficient manner.

The Reading, MI homeowners’ guide to drain cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

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