I have used Ridex and a couple other brands I don't recall and doubt that they had any appreciable effect. I noticed no difference in breakdown of solids in the tank. And if no difference in the tank, stands to reason that breakdown in the field would be even less likely.
I am putting up a link to an article from the University of Kentucky, not selling anything, and gives a very good overview of septic systems.
http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/agr/agr166/agr166.htm
When measuring the solids in a tank, I use a wooden stick about 6 ft. long. I put 1 ft. reference marks on the stick. Another stick laid across the opening makes it easy the read the depths.
If you put the stick into the tank slowly with
no push, you can feel some resistance when the stick reaches the solids. Note your depth then push to the bottom of the tank. Difference in measurements will give the amount of solids in your tank. If your tank ever gets full enough of solids, solids can spillover into the leech field piping. This is very bad but will clear up some over a period after tank is pumped.
My tank has 3 compartments and I will always find less depth of solids as you measure toward the leech field outlet. The worst condition is for the last compartment (outlet) to measure a high level of solids.
I totally agree with this article that pumping the septic tank when needed is the most important maintenance item.
If your leech field is in an area that is not well drained, rain and lawn watering can contribute to your problems. I once helped a neighbor with bad drainage. We used 4" corrugated flexible pipe with drainage openings buried about 1 ft. in a bed of gravel. We used it on two sides of the field to direct unwanted water away from the field. This pipe is commonly used as a drain around building foundations. Can be bought in 100 ft rolls at Home Depot.
I've done a lot of talking here but I know what a pain it is when you have problems with your system. Hope this helps.
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