Things to avoid include bleach, paint, disinfectants, garden pesticides, medicines, solvents like white spirit and drain cleaning and unblocking liquids that contain caustic soda. There are cleaning products that have been specially designed for use with septic tanks.
What should you not put in your septic system?
- If you flush or pour some of the items we mention in this article into your septic system, you risk clogging the system. Bacteria Harm: The second group of items that you want to avoid putting into your septic system should be avoided due to the harm they can potentially play on the bacteria in the system.
What should you avoid with a septic tank?
You should not put these items into your commode:
- Cat litter.
- Coffee grounds.
- Cigarette butts.
- Dental floss.
- Disposable diapers.
- Earplugs.
- Sanitary napkins or tampons.
What will ruin a septic system?
Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.
What kills a septic tank?
The most common septic tank failures happen when septic bacteria and enzymes are killed off by harsh household cleaning chemicals. The bacteria can be destroyed by large doses of toxic substances like liquid bleach, disinfectant cleaners, or drain cleaners.
What happens to poop in a septic tank?
The inlet pipe collects the water waste in the septic tank, long enough that the solid and liquid waste is separated from each other. Inside the tank bacteria from the wastewater breaks down the solid waste. These bacteria decompose the solid waste rapidly allowing the liquids to separate and drain away more easily.
Does hair break down in a septic tank?
Why Hair is a Such a Problem It’s composed of tough strands of proteins similar to those in your fingernails, and it’s not easily broken down by bacteria. Even if it doesn’t for years in your septic tank, it’ll almost certainly last for longer than the 24-48 hours that it sits in your septic tank.
What is the most common cause of septic system failure?
Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.
Can I use bleach if I have a septic tank?
You might consider bleach to be a great cleaner to use for your septic system. Unfortunately, that mindset is a dangerous one to have because it’s usually recommended to avoid using bleach in your septic system. The chemicals within bleach can kill the bacteria that your septic tank relies on.
How do you know if your septic is full?
Here are some of the most common warning signs that you have a full septic tank:
- Your Drains Are Taking Forever.
- Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank.
- Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard.
- You Hear Gurgling Water.
- You Have A Sewage Backup.
- How often should you empty your septic tank?
How do I clean my septic tank naturally?
You can mix about a 1/4 cup of baking soda with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 2 tablespoons lemon to make your own natural cleaning agent. The baking soda will fizz up to help get the dirt and grime in your tub and drains. It’s a great cleaner and your septic system will thank you!
Can you pour milk down the drain if you have a septic tank?
If not the trash. A man who has a septic tank service told us to buy a gallon of whole milk and let it go bad a few days and flush it into the septic tank to feed the bacteria. He said to do this about once a month.
Is toothpaste septic safe?
Believe it or not, but certain brands of toothpaste can actually harm your septic system. When possible, look for a natural paste or a baking soda-based toothpaste. If that is not possible, always avoid any pastes that have polyethylene in them.
Does Pee stay in the septic tank?
The urine is diverted to a small holding tank, usually located in a basement, while feces still get flushed into a septic tank. Others use small portable urinals to collect urine, Nace says. Moreover, the average person uses more than 3,000 gallons of clean water every year just to remove urine from toilets.
Can I take a shower if my septic tank is full?
Only the water would get out into the leach field in a proper system unless you run too much water too fast. The thing to do is to run your shower water outside into it’s own drain area, but it may not be allowed where you are. Used to be called gray water system.
Does shower water go to septic tank?
From your house to the tank: Most, but not all, septic systems operate via gravity to the septic tank. Each time a toilet is flushed, water is turned on or you take a shower, the water and waste flows via gravity through the plumbing system in your house and ends up in the septic tank.
Top 10 Items To Avoid Putting In Your Septic System
Submitted byRobert Robillard on Home Repairs, Plumbing, and Electrical
Caring for Your Septic System
If you have a septic system in your home, you must exercise extreme caution when it comes to the household goods that you use. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down wastes and sediments, but in order for these bacteria to live, they must be in a certain environment. If you use the incorrect type of detergent in your washing machine or the incorrect drain cleaner, you may wind up destroying the microorganisms in your septic system, leaving it inoperable. Overflows, obstructions, flooded drain fields, and even groundwater pollution can result as a result of this.
Medicines
When you have unused prescriptions on hand, it might be tempting to flush them down the toilet to eliminate them. DON’T. Pharmaceuticals have the potential to disrupt the bacterial equilibrium in your septic system, resulting in septic system failure. They also contribute to the spread of “superbugs,” germs that are resistant to antibiotics and represent a threat to the health of the entire population. Improperly disposed of drugs damage groundwater, putting the environment and, more importantly, your own drinking water at risk of contamination.
In a countrywide survey conducted in 2000, pharmaceuticals were discovered in 80 percent of the rivers and streams examined.
To safely dispose of medications
Find out if there is a medication disposal program near you. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) organizes National Prescription Drug Take-Back activities, which involve setting up collecting locations in towns around the country to ensure that prescription medicines are properly disposed of. A pharmaceutical take-back program sponsored by your local police department may also be available. If you are unable to locate a pharmaceutical take-back program in your area, you should contact your local waste management authority to learn about drug disposal choices and requirements in your region.
After removing pills out of their original containers and combining them with a “undesirable item” (such as cat litter or old coffee grounds), the FDA suggests placing the combination in a Ziploc bag or a container with a lid and tossing the entire package in the trash.
Non-Septic Safe Toilet Paper
The only item that should be flushed into your septic tank is human waste, and that should be done using a septic safe toilet paper. A toilet paper that is biodegradable and dissolves fast is essential.
On the packaging, look for the words “Septic Safe.” After evaluating 21 brands for softness, strength, and ripping ease in March of 2014, two brands stood out: White Cloud 3 Ply Ultra and Charmin Ultra Strong, however the Charmin did not disintegrate as rapidly as the White Cloud.
“Flush-able Wipes” and other Clogging Hazards
Flushable wipes, despite the fact that they are advertised as such, are anything but; they can take up to 10 minutes to break up and provide a significant clog danger.
Laundry Detergents
It is possible that your laundry contributes a significant portion of the volume in your septic system. It is likely that the majority of the laundry detergents available at your local grocery shop include some form of environmental contamination. Look for the following:
Low Suds or Biodegradable:
Surfactants, which are foaming agents, are found in all soaps and detergents, and they are used to create foam. They work by lowering the surface tension of fluids, letting them to flow more freely between solids and so remove dirt from the surface of objects. Unfortunately, they have a negative impact on cell membranes and microorganisms, and they will harm the bacteria colony in your septic system. Fortunately, they decay rapidly and do not constitute a significant hazard to groundwater.
Low or no phosphorous and nitrogen:
We are fortunate in that nutrient pollutants such as phosphates and nitrates are now being phased out of the detergents we use since they encourage the growth of algae and weeds that choke out fish and wildlife in our ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.
Chlorine free:
Chlorine bleach is extremely hazardous and should be avoided if possible, or used in small amounts when necessary. Unfortunately, chlorine bleach is included in a variety of cleaning and disinfecting products. Alternatives that are more effective include oxygen-based bleaches for laundry and white vinegar for disinfection.
Antibacterial Soaps
Avoid using antibacterial hand soaps and any product that claims to be antibacterial. This is not only due to the obvious harm they could do to your bacterial colony, which is required for your septic system to function, but it is also due to the fact that they are now being linked to the development of antibiotic resistant “superbugs.” The good old-fashioned soap and water will suffice.
Automatic Toilet Cleaners
In addition to killing the germs in your toilet, the antibacterial compounds in automated toilet cleaners destroy the microorganisms in your septic tank as well. These toilet cleansers have the potential to result in a septic tank that is overflowing with blue water and a large amount of dead bacteria. A mixture of baking soda and white vinegar, used to clean the toilet, will provide similarly effective foamy results that are completely safe.
Dishwasher Detergents
Dishwasher detergent is more likely than laundry detergent to include phosphates and surfactants, both of which are toxic to the microorganisms in your septic tank and should be avoided. They can also move through your septic tank to the drain field, where they can eventually seep into the soil and leak into ground water, putting your family at danger of drinking polluted water. Look for and use detergent that is free of phosphates.
Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners should not be used by any homeowner, including those who do not have septic systems in their homes. Chemical drain cleaners not only have the potential to harm beneficial bacteria in your septic tank, but they may also eat away at your pipes! The caustic soda or lye employed in them is a potent oxidant and can result in serious burns if ingested or handled improperly. If your drains are blocked, it is far preferable to spend a little extra money to call a plumber to unclog them rather than using a chemical drain cleaner to clear them.
If there is a problem, you will wind up having to pay a lot more for the damage than you would have if you had hired a professional to do the job.
DIY Drain Cleaner:
- Add 1/2 cup baking soda to the drain and let it sit for a few minutes before adding 1/2 cup white vinegar mixed with extremely hot water to the drain. Allow for a few minutes of resting. This will trigger a chemical reaction, resulting in a lot of foaming, therefore stop the drain or cover it with a towel. The combination will begin to operate immediately, breaking down any lipids into salt and inert gas. Boiling water should be used to flush
Bath Oils
Bathing with some baby oil may provide you with silky-soft skin when you get out, but it’s not a good idea for your septic tank’s performance. Once the oil has been washed into your septic tank, it produces a layer of scum on top of the floating waste, preventing it from settling. As a result, the bacteria are unable to penetrate the oil, preventing them from decomposing the waste. Additionally, the oil might obstruct your drain field.
Solvents
Don’t flush anything inorganic down the toilet such as paints, solvents, insecticides, oils, or anything else that might kill the bacteria.
Other UnsafeSeptic Items – Things not to flush include
- Disposable diapers
- Sanitary napkins or tampons
- Paper towels or bandages
- Dental floss
- Condoms
- Hair
- Cigarette butts
- Disposable diapers
- Disposable diapers Coffee grinds
- Kitty litter
- And so on.
Author’s Bio:Steve McGonagle, proprietor of Septic Genie, assists homeowners in diagnosing and resolving their septic system problems. The Septic Genie method, which was first patented in 1995, has assisted hundreds of households in restoring their damaged septic systems while avoiding the expensive cost of “dig and replace.” is a website dedicated to providing trouble-free septic systems for life.
What should not go in a septic tank?
If you live or operate a company in a remote or rural region without access to a modern sewer network, the likelihood is that your house or business is equipped with an aseptic tank system. Water septic tanks are an excellent way to dispose of wastewater on your property, since they use a combination of basic technology and biological processes found in nature to do the job. However, extreme caution must be exercised in determining which items, garbage, and chemicals are permitted to be flushed down the different drains on your premises.
If the improper materials and liquids are flushed down the toilet, they can cause a septic system to malfunction, necessitating the arrival of a professional to your home to undertake very expensive repairs and cleaning.
The purpose of septic tanks will be discussed in detail, as well as what may be safely placed in them and what should not be placed in them, in this tutorial.
What Are Septic Tanks Used For?
If your house or company is located in a remote or rural region without access to a modern sewage network, the likelihood is that it is equipped with an aseptic tank system. Septic tanks are a fantastic method to dispose of wastewater on your property, utilizing a mix of basic technology and the biological processes of the environment. The kind of items, garbage, and chemicals that can be flushed down the numerous drains on your property must, however, be considered with greater attention. Septic tanks, while effective in their own right, are far more sensitive to what they can safely take than ordinary sewer systems.
It is possible to save money while also avoiding the occurrence of nasty ruptures seeping onto your grounds or even backing up into your own toilets if you keep everything in good condition.
With any luck, you’ll have a clearer understanding of why you should install and maintain a septic system, as well as whether one is a suitable fit for your property.
How Do Septic Tanks Work?
Briefly stated, a septic system is composed of two major components: a holding tank and a soil absorption area. All of the flushed water from your house, school, or place of business finally finds its way into a single final pipe that empties straight into the septic tank. This end pipe has a downward sloping surface and is powered entirely by gravity. In most cases, an aseptic tank is a waterproof receiving vessel that is buried beneath the surface of your land. It is often built of concrete or specialized plastic.
- When left to its own devices, the organic matter in this runoff water will begin to split into three distinct components inside the tank’s internal environment.
- Solids, often known as sludge, will begin to accumulate at the bottom of the tank.
- Over time, naturally occurring bacteria already present in the tank will begin to degrade the biodegradable material and prepare it for future distribution by breaking down the substance.
- However, it is the bulk of the effluent water that is directed out of the septic tank and onto the neighboring drain field after that.
- It is really the microbes in the surrounding ground that begin to filter and destroy the germs in this discharge, thereby neutralizing any lingering foul odours and toxicity.
What Should Go in Septic Tanks?
A few substances can be accepted and broken down within the septic tank system, but the majority of things cannot. Your best practices are mentioned in the next section:
- Whenever feasible, use environmentally friendly and biodegradable household cleaning products. Foodstuffs, fruits, and vegetables that are rotten or perished can be disposed of through the garbage disposal. Take cautious not to overdo your waste disposal, on the other hand. If you have organic leftovers and potato peelings, a compost bin is a lot better option than throwing them away in the trash. Create the practice of scraping dirty plates into the trash and putting a food catcher in your kitchen sink to gather food scraps. Utilize only toilet paper that is thin and specially made for use with septic tank systems. Make an effort to install water-saving showerheads, dishwashers, and washing machines. Showers should be kept short and water use should be kept to a minimum, since this might place an unnecessary pressure on your septic system. When it comes down to it only water, toilet tissue, and human excrement should ever be flushed down your toilet. Anything that cannot be decomposed naturally is never appropriate and will only give you a lot of trouble down the line
- This includes plastics.
What Shouldn’t Go in Them? (And Why?)
When moving from a region that is served by a centralized sewer system, a house or property owner will need to make significant adjustments to their mentality and waste disposal practices. When you’re first starting out, it might be difficult to adjust to the changes, but after a while you’ll realize that it’s actually no more difficult than sorting your recycling. The most important thing to understand is that your septic tank is not a garbage disposal system. Do not flush anything that is not biodegradable down the toilet or down the drain.
Septic tanks may handle a significant amount of the regular effluent that would normally be flushed away in a contemporary city, but there are few exceptions that should be avoided, as detailed below:
- Surprisingly, coffee grounds are a major source of contamination that goes unnoticed. In spite of the fact that they are processed via a waste disposal unit, coffee grounds degrade too slowly and might cause obstructions in your plumbing system. Toilet paper, cigarette butts, cat litter, kitchen towels, tampons, prophylactics, diapers, and anything else that is thick or made of plastic should never be flushed down a toilet
- Toilet bowl cleansers containing acidic chemicals or bleach are prohibited. These chemicals have the potential to destroy beneficial microorganisms deep within the septic tank. Instead, make an effort to utilize organic, ecologically friendly cleansers. Any type of hazardous chemicals (for example, paint thinner, gasoline, solvents, weed killers, insecticides, and so on) should be separated and transported to authorized waste disposal facilities in your region. It is never a good idea to flush them down the toilet
- Grease, fats, and drippings are also exceedingly harmful. Bacon grease and other frying oils should be collected and disposed of in the same manner as regular garbage. Additionally, installing a grease trap between your kitchen sink and your septic tank is a smart idea as well. These oils lead to the formation of a scum layer within the tank, which ultimately pollutes the soil drainage region surrounding it. The bacteria that have been spread into contaminated soil are unable to be organically processed by the soil
- Medications are also an issue. Antibiotics and antibacterials have the potential to disrupt the delicate community of microorganisms that digest your organic discharge and pollute the environment. Even human waste from persons who are taking prescription medications might have an impact on the effectiveness of your septic system. All of your unused drugs should be returned to your local pharmacy.
Looking After Your Septic Tank
As you may have known by now, septic systems are basic yet innovative machines that handle wastewater from your property when there is no local sewer connection available. They remove oils and particles from liquids, and they discharge the effluent water into the soil surrounding your home or business property. Organic sewage treatment is completed by naturally existing microorganisms present in the septic tank and the surrounding soil, which consume the most offensive odors and harmful germs, finishing the process organically.
The property owner must carefully regulate what is flushed down their bathrooms, sinks, and drains in order to preserve this delicate equilibrium.
Despite the fact that the above instructions should avoid any unintended incidents, you will still want a septic tank specialist to come to your property and do an inspection and cleaning once every 3-5 years, depending on the size of your septic tank.
Get Your Free Quote Today
OMDI has more than two decades of expertise in the construction, drainage, and maintenance of septic tank systems. Our subject matter specialists are available to answer any inquiries you may have at any time. We will be delighted to discuss your septic tank requirements in detail with you and to offer you with a free, no-obligation quotation. For more information about putting a septic tank on your property, septic tank maintenance, or if you feel there is an issue with your system, call OMDI now.
Household Products That Will Ruin Your Septic Tank!
Many people who have septic tanks are unaware of what they may and cannot flush down their toilets or down their sinks. It may come as a surprise to find just how delicate septic tanks are, and how many common household goods can cause harm to and/or block your septic tank if you don’t know what you’re doing. By keeping these things out from your drains, you can maintain your septic tank in good shape and avoid costly septic repairs down the road. Chemical Cleaners are a type of cleaning agent that uses chemicals to remove dirt and grime.
- You may disturb the bacteria cycle in your septic tank by pouring anti-bacterial cleansers like bleach down your drains and down your toilets.
- Additives Several septic tank additives make the promise that they will enhance the amount of bacteria in your septic system.
- The Environmental Protection Agency and the American Ground Water Trust, on the other hand, warn that chemical additions may cause more harm than good to your tank.
- Using Bath Oils Oil floats to the top of your septic tank, where it congeals and hardens to produce a layer of scum on the surface.
- It has the ability to withstand bacterial activity and embed in the solid waste layer.
- Grease from the kitchen Grease of any kind contributes to the buildup of scum in your septic tank.
- Unless otherwise instructed, you should avoid dumping oil down your sinks.
In addition, dryer papers might jam the entrance baffle.
Over time, the clay will clog your pipes and cause your septic tank to fail completely.
Products Made of Latex The majority of latex-based products are not biodegradable.
If the outlet tee is missing, the latex may clog the drain field on its way out of your septic tank, causing it to back up and choke the tank.
Paints and oils are two types of media.
In order to maintain your soil and groundwater free of diseases, you must have this bacterium on hand.
Prescription medications and chemotherapy medications Even after passing through a patient’s digestive system, powerful medications may still retain active ingredients that are harmful to them.
If possible, avoid allowing drug-contaminated faeces to enter your home’s septic tank.
Some prescription medications have the potential to be harmful to the environment.
Chemicals for Automatic Toilet Cleaning Systems Automatic toilet cleaners release an excessive amount of anti-bacterial chemicals into your septic tank, causing it to overflow.
Instead, choose toilet cleansers that are suitable for septic systems.
Even minute amounts of string, on the other hand, can clog and ruin pump impellers.
In a period of time, it will encircle a pump and cause harm to your septic tank’s mechanical components.
Your tank is only capable of holding a specific amount of domestic water; it cannot accommodate big volumes of water from a pool or roof drain.
Don’t use your sinks or toilets as garbage cans; this is against the law.
Put your trash in the garbage to prevent having to pay extra in pump-out fees.
Young children, on the other hand, may be unable to comprehend how toilets function.
Rather than degrading, the clothing are likely to block your septic tank.
Butts for Cigarettes Cigarette filters have the potential to choke the tank.
For a comprehensive list of potentially dangerous goods, consult your septic tank owner’s handbook or consult with a specialist.
If possible, avoid flushing non-biodegradable goods down the toilet or down the drain. You will save money on costly repairs and you will extend the life of your tank by taking these precautions.
What You Can And Can’t Add To Your Septic System
Toilets make it simple to flush and then forget about it. However, flushing nearly anything other than toilet paper down a toilet can cause difficulties in any bathroom, and especially in septic systems, if done repeatedly. There are a variety of home things that should never be flushed. Don’t flush cleaning products down the toilet. Among the most often encountered goods that might trigger septic system failure are cleaning chemicals. Because your septic system relies on anaerobic bacteria to work correctly, cleaning agents will almost always cause your septic system to fail because they are designed to kill bacteria in general.
Don’t let these common household products come into contact with your septic tank.
- Toys, garbage, diapers, sanitary napkins, kitty litter, dryer sheets, coffee grounds, dirt, motor oil, and drugs are all acceptable.
While you should avoid flushing any of these things down the toilet in general, you should avoid flushing them down a toilet that is linked to a septic system in particular since they might cause significant harm. Reduce the amount of food that is thrown away. Despite the fact that food is biodegradable and appears to be readily flushed down the toilet and into your septic tank, food may nonetheless cause your septic tank to fill up more quickly than usual. Reducing the amount of food that goes down the drain or down the garbage disposal will help to reduce the frequency with which your septic tank needs to be flushed.
There are however some objects that should only be flushed down the toilet on very rare occasions.
- Cooking oil, washing machine lint, tampons, alcohol, laundry detergent, and hair are all examples of substances that can be found in the environment.
Cooking oil, washing machine lint, tampons, alcohol, laundry detergent, and hair are all examples of substances that are harmful to the environment.
Aeration Septic – The Top Five Items to Keep Out of Your Septic System
Despite the fact that there are several alternative ways to dispose of trash within the home, some people just opt to use their toilet or garbage disposal for materials that do not belong in these pieces of equipment – which may put their septic system at risk. There are certain things that a toilet is supposed to handle and rid of, such as body waste, particular paper products, and the occasional spider that gets tangled in toilet paper, but there are other items that people flush that can cause far more harm than good.
You might believe that “if it flushes, it’s alright,” but this isn’t always the case, even when it comes to goods that are advertised as safe to flush as a form of disposal.
What is a septic system?
As previously stated, a septic system installed within a home serves as a waste disposal system, processing and eliminating wastewater generated within the residence. For those who have an anaerobic or aerobic septic system in their house, this implies that they are not reliant on the city or town’s sewage system to transport and treat their waste water. As with all other systems and components of the home, a septic tank system is composed of several moving parts and features, all of which must be properly maintained in order to perform at peak performance.
The most reliable approach to determine whether or not your septic system is completely operational is to hire the services of a septic tank inspector, who can (and will) supply you with a thorough septic tank inspection report following each visit to your property.
The more you understand about your system and how it should operate, the less likely it is that you will suffer difficulties such as braking, clogging, or backups into your house.
While there are a variety of items that might create problems when they are flushed down the toilet or placed through the trash disposal, some of the most prevalent are items that people do not think twice about flushing or putting through the garbage disposal.
Here’s a list of the top five things you should avoid introducing into your home’s septic system:
- Coffee grounds: While coffee grounds are not flushed, they frequently make their way into a garbage disposal and, ultimately, into the septic tank. Because of their texture, bacteria have a tough time breaking them down, which can put your septic system in risk over time as they accumulate. One excellent comparison is to think of these grounds as if they were gravel, despite the fact that they are far smaller. In the long run, the number of coffee grounds that do not decompose will contribute to an increase in the amount of solids (or sludge) present in the system, which might cause it to malfunction. Strong disinfectants, such as bleach: Because a properly functioning septic system relies on beneficial bacteria to break down waste, introducing these sorts of chemicals into the system in excessive quantities can be detrimental to the system. The weekly cleanings and the introduction of these chemicals into the toilet bowl insert in tiny amounts per flush are both perfectly acceptable practices
- Nevertheless, the use of excessive amounts is not encouraged. A decrease in the quantity of bacteria present in the holding and treatment tanks, which is a “living system,” might lead to an increase in the amount of solid waste accumulating in the system, which may necessitate more regular visits from a septic services specialist. Contrary to popular belief, condoms, disposable diapers, flushable wipes, and tampons are not as safe to flush as you may assume. Due to the fact that rubber does not degrade within the system, flushing condoms may put a septic system at risk of failure. Although the materials that are used to manufacture disposable diapers and tampons are termed biodegradable, this does not imply that they are beneficial to the general health of the system. However, while they will ultimately fail within the system, it may take a long time for them to do so, resulting in these objects remaining in the system for extended periods of time and causing further problems. Is it one of these other problems? These huge things have the potential to block pipes or become caught around the motor of a septic system, leading it to fail. A septic motor is a high-priced device that will normally cost upwards of $600 to repair or replace. Is taking this chance worth it? Grease and oil derived from the cooking process: Despite the fact that it may appear simple to simply drop these items down the drain while cleaning pots and pans, they may cause more harm than good. Although some oil and grease can unavoidably enter a septic system, an excessive amount of this will undoubtedly cause difficulties over time, especially in older homes with older septic systems. What is the explanation behind this? Over time, these materials have a tendency to harden and solidify, making it more difficult to break them down. The particles may also become attached to the sides of the pipes and walls of the septic tank, as well as to the moving mechanisms within it, causing backups, blockages, and overflow – or even a breakdown of the aerator or any other affected sections. Medications: Additionally, drugs have the potential to kill the bacteria that must be present in a septic system when they are flushed, and in some cases, they do so. This does not just apply to unused tablets
- Liquid drugs should never be flushed down the toilet too. Many of these prescriptions contain high amounts of antibiotics, and when these pills are flushed down the toilet, the chemicals in these medications will disrupt the delicate balance that must exist in the tank. Another item to take into consideration? If there is a problem with your septic tank – such as an undiscovered leak – these chemicals will be released into the environment as well, and this is harmful.
Though not flushed, coffee grounds frequently find their way down a garbage disposal and, ultimately, into a septic tank due to their high concentration of nitrogen. Because of their texture, bacteria have a tough time breaking them down, which can put your septic system in risk when they accumulate in your system. These grounds might be thought of as gravel, which is an excellent comparison, despite the fact that they are somewhat smaller. Over time, the number of coffee grounds that do not decompose will contribute to an increase in the amount of solids – or sludge – in the system, which might cause it to become less efficient.
- The weekly cleanings and the introduction of these chemicals into the toilet bowl insert in tiny amounts every flush are both acceptable practices; however, the use of excessive amounts is not.
- However, these goods are not as safe to flush as you might expect.
- Although the materials used to manufacture disposable diapers and tampons are considered biodegradable, this does not imply that they are beneficial to the overall system.
- Suppose you have one of these extra concerns.
- Repairing a septic motor is a high-priced equipment that can cost upwards of $600 in some instances.
- The balance of a septic system is delicate, and while some oil and grease may unavoidably enter the system, an excessive amount of this will undoubtedly cause difficulties over time.
- Over time, these materials have a tendency to harden and solidify, making it more difficult to break them down completely.
- If you have any leftover pills, don’t flush them down the toilet.
- Due to the fact that many of these prescriptions include large doses of antibiotics, the chemicals contained inside them will cause harm to the delicate balance that must exist within the tank when flushed down the toilet.
One more thing to think about: There is a possibility that these chemicals will be released into the environment if there is a problem with your septic tank — for example, an undiscovered leak.
What NOT to Put in Your Septic Tank
When septic systems are operated in the manner intended, they perform optimally. It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that everything you flush down the toilet or wash down the drain will just disappear. When your home is connected to a sewage system, you may be pretty certain that your water waste is at the very least transported away from your home. The contents of your toilet bowl either remain on your property or in your septic tank until you have it removed from the system.
Being kind to your septic tank pays dividends
Your septic tank is a biological system that decomposes organic waste, primarily human waste, in a controlled environment. The use of this method for disposing of other organic (and inorganic) waste products is not recommended. There are a few items that you should never put into your septic tank in order to avoid this situation. Food. Food should not be flushed down the toilet, and if at all possible, avoid using a garbage disposal. Grease and oil contribute to the formation of the scum layer on the surface of the tank, but they have no effect on the biological activity occurring there.
- Consider starting a compost pile for food waste that is derived from plants.
- Facial tissues, sanitary napkins and tampons, disposable diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, cigarette butts, kitty litter and other waste from the toilet should be disposed of in the garbage.
- If you didn’t create it and it isn’t toilet paper, you should avoid flushing it altogether.
- Drain cleaners are quite damaging to your plumbing system, as well as to your septic system as well.
- Drain cleansers should not be used!
- Cleaners for the home.
- Bacteria-killing products such as bleach, toilet bowl cleansers, and home cleaners are also available.
- The use of household cleansers, which do not discriminate between harmful and healthy bacteria, should be minimized to the greatest extent feasible.
- Paint, varnish, paint thinner, antifreeze, expired prescription prescriptions, antibacterial soap, pesticides, gasoline, kerosene, oil, or anything else of a similar kind should not be flushed down the bathroom sink.
- These chemicals will kill the microorganisms in your septic tank, and worse than that, they will damage the groundwater in the surrounding area, which includes your well.
For information about hazardous household waste disposal locations in your area, contact your local county offices. In order to arrange service or drain cleaning, please call Clear Drain Cleaning at (330) 343-7146 for any and all of your drainage and drain maintenance requirements.
Septic System Do’s and Don’ts
1. Inspect your septic tank at least once a year. Septic tanks should be drained at least once every three to five years, in most cases. An assessment by you or a professional may reveal that you need to pump more or less frequently than you previously thought. Pumping the septic tank on a regular basis ensures that sediments do not flow from the tank into the drainfield. Solids can cause a drainfield to fail, and once a drainfield has failed, pumping will not be able to put it back into operation.
Reduce the amount of water you use (seeHome Water Savings Makes Sense).
Too much water from the washing machine, dishwasher, toilets, bathtubs, and showers may not provide enough time for sludge and scum to separate, resulting in particles passing out of the tank and into the drainfield, eventually blocking the pipes and causing them to clog.
- Large water-guzzling equipment such as dishwashers and washing machines should be used sparingly. Bathroom and kitchen fixtures (such as faucets, shower heads, and toilets) that conserve water should be used. Spread out your laundry throughout the course of the week and avoid doing incomplete loads
- Fix all leaks from faucets and toilets as soon as possible.
Drainage from downspouts and roofs should be directed away from the drainfield. It is possible that additional water from these sources will interfere with the effective operation of your drainfield. Vehicles and vehicles should be kept away from the septic tank and drainfield regions. This helps to keep pipes from breaking and dirt from being compacted during the construction process. Compacted soils do not have the ability to absorb water from the drainfield. 5. Make use of a detergent that is devoid of phosphates.
- Additionally, the use of phosphate-free detergents aids in the prevention of algae blooms in adjacent lakes and streams Install risers to make it simpler to get in and out.
- Drainfield Do’s and Don’ts provides extra information about drainfields.
- The use of a trash disposal increases the amount of particles and grease in your system, increasing the likelihood of drainfield failure.
- Because they enable sediments to flow into and clog the drainfield, some of these chemicals can actually cause damage to your on-site sewage system.
- Water from hot tubs should not be disposed of into the on-site sewage system.
- Hot tubs should be drained onto the ground, away from the drainfield, and not into a storm drainage system.
- 4.
- Putting powerful chemicals down the drain, such as cleaning agents, is not recommended.
- 6.
- Grass provides the most effective protection for your septic tank and drainfield.
- Bacteria require oxygen to break down and cleanse sewage, and they cannot function without it.
The opinions and practices of the Environmental Protection Agency are not necessarily reflected in the contents of this publication, nor does the reference of trade names or commercial items imply support or recommendation for their use.
What shouldn’t go into a septic tank
Your septic tank is intended to treat sewage and waste water from your home or business. The intake pipe to the tank should be linked to the pipes coming from your home and into the tank. In order for the system to function properly, it is critical that nothing enters the tank that may interfere with the process of bacteria breaking down the contents.
Too much water
Inspect your downpipes and drains to make sure they are not linked to your septic tank, which might cause problems. In addition to causing pollution and health problems, this might wash out the contents of the tank before it is broken down. When washing clothes in the washing machine, wait until the cycle is complete before getting into the shower. There will be no excess water entering the tank at one time and washing away untreated wastes as a result of this. Consider how much water is leaving your home at any one moment, and maintain the flow at a controllable level to avoid flooding your neighborhood.
Too little water
Take care to avoid connecting rainwater-carrying downpipes and drains that are linked to your septic tank. In addition to causing pollution and health problems, this might wash away the contents of the tank before it is broken down. When using a washing machine, always sure to wait until the cycle is complete before taking a bath. Consequently, too much water entering the tank at once and washing away untreated wastes is prevented. Maintain a controllable flow of water by keeping an eye on how much water is leaving your home at any given moment.
Chemicals that stop the bacteria working
There are a variety of common home chemicals that are meant to eliminate any germs that may be present. It is not recommended to allow them to enter a septic tank. As a result of removing the bacteria from the tank, untreated sewage and waste water will leak out of the tank, blocking your pipes and creating an annoyance and a potential health threat. Bleach, paint, disinfectants, garden pesticides, medications, solvents such as white spirit, and drain cleaning and unblocking products that include caustic soda are among the things to avoid using around the house.
Oil grease and fat
These will harden and block the pipes and drains in your home or business. They do not decompose in the septic tank and so float to the top of the tank, forming a thick layer of scum. Fats and oils that enter the soakaway have the potential to clog the outlets and hinder soil microbes from doing their jobs.
Items that won’t break down
Maintain strict sanitation by ensuring that nothing other than toilet paper (which is meant to degrade) and sanitary waste (such as cotton buds, diapers, and other similar items) is placed in the toilet tank.
Detergents that contain phosphates
There are cleaning products available that do not include phosphates, and they are preferable to those that do contain them. The presence of phosphorus in a tank does not result in it being broken down; instead, it passes through and ends up in the soil and subsequently in watercourses.
Reduce the quantity of phosphorus in your septic tank outflow in order to assist lessen phosphorus pollution in watercourses, ponds, and lochs, which will help to reduce this problem.
In this Guideline
What septic tanks do and how they operate What should not be disposed of in a septic tank Keeping your septic tank in good condition Fill out a septic tank registration form. What may go wrong with a septic tank is something like this: Waste water and sewage treatment are being planned for new tanks. Treatment of septic tank effluent in situations when there is no possibility of soakaway If you are unable to have a septic tank put on your property, Legislation governing septic tanks
9 Ways You’re Destroying Your Septic Tank
Unlike those of us who live on municipal sewer systems, those who live on septic tanks need pay closer attention to what happens when they flush the toilet or where all of the dishwater goes. If they do not, they may find themselves in trouble later on down the road. Listed here are the most typical mistakes that homeowners do when it comes to abusing their septic tank, in order to assist you in protecting your house from damage. These should be avoided at all costs, or else you will be forced to pay the price (literally).
1. Flushing Paper Products
Not everything that is made of paper is acceptable for flushing down the bathroom toilet. Paper goods such as tissues, paper towels, tampons or sanitary products, as well as certain thicker toilet paper, may clog your system if you flush an excessive amount of them down the toilet. Wet wipes are yet another product that should never be flushed down the toilet or into a septic system. Even the “flushable” wipes have been demonstrated to not break down as they should, resulting in serious consequences.
Keep the paper goods that you flush down the toilet as basic as possible.
Everything else should be disposed of properly.
2. Pouring Grease Down the Drain
You might believe that dumping grease down the kitchen sink or flushing it down the toilet is totally OK while the grease is still hot. This is just incorrect, people. Grease is one of the most detrimental substances to your septic system. After cooling, it congeals and clogs the pipes almost immediately. As with the arteries leading to the heart, fatty diets cause them to become blocked with fatty deposits. Flooding is caused by clogged drains, which results in a lot of money being spent. The most effective way to deal with grease is to allow it to cool and solidify before scraping it into a container or sealable bag that can be thrown away immediately after.
3. Using Too Much Drain Cleaner
It is intended to be used in drains, so if you pour a little extra down the sink, it will perform even better. That appears to be rational, doesn’t it? Wrong. When you pour large volumes of harsh chemicals or drain cleaner down your sink or toilet, you are causing irreparable damage to your pipes and plumbing system. Your plumbing will deteriorate first and foremost as a result of dangerous substances. For the second time, they eliminate the beneficial bacteria in your tank that digest and break down waste to keep your system operating properly.
Drain cleaner should only be used when absolutely necessary and as instructed to eliminate obstructions. “Too much of everything is bad,” as my grandmother used to say, and she was right.
4. Introducing Additives to Your System
It is intended to be used in drains, so if you pour a little extra down the sink, it will function even better. Doesn’t that seem to make sense? Wrong. When you pour large volumes of harsh chemicals or drain cleaner down your sink or toilet, you are causing serious damage to your pipes and plumbing system. Your plumbing will deteriorate first and foremost due to the presence of harmful substances. Second, they destroy the beneficial bacteria in your tank that digest and break down waste, which is necessary to keep your system operating properly.
The expression “too much of everything is bad” was something my grandma used to say.
5. Flushing Cat Litter
You might believe that because kitty litter includes waste, it is okay to flush it down the toilet. That is not true, and many individuals continue to flush it down the toilet, causing damage to their septic system. Cat litter can be extremely destructive to plumbing, and if it is flushed down the toilet, it can cause a severe blockage. Cat litter is often composed of clay, and pouring it through your pipes or, more critically, into your septic tank can cause difficulties since, unlike garbage, clay does not decompose.
When it comes to litter removal, it is preferable to keep it away from your plumbing and dispose of it in the garbage.
6. Neglecting to Pump Your Tank Regularly
Cat litter includes trash, therefore it is tempting to believe that flushing cat litter is a good idea. Many individuals continue to flush it down the toilet despite the fact that it is harmful to their septic system. Cat litter can be extremely destructive to plumbing, and if it is flushed down the toilet, it can cause a clog that is difficult to clear. The majority of cat litter is made of clay, and pouring it through your pipes or, more critically, into your septic tank can cause difficulties since, unlike garbage, clay does not decompose easily.
To prevent litter from getting into your plumbing, keep it out of the way and throw it away in the garbage can.
7. Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Drain Field
Many homeowners like the aesthetics of having trees in their yards. Additionally, having a lovely lawn with well-kept trees and bushes increases the curb appeal of a property, which is especially important for older or historic homes. In contrast, planting them right on top of your septic system (also known as the drain field) might result in serious and expensive difficulties down the line. The restricting roots of those towering trees and shrubs, once they begin to dip their roots deeper and deeper into the earth, have the potential to infiltrate a drain field.
When this occurs, they have the potential to grow directly in the path of your drain pipes, preventing wastewater flow. The moral of the tale is to be aware of the specific location of your drain field and septic tank, and to avoid planting huge trees or shrubs in that area.
8. Washer Lint Overload
However, if you wash a lot of synthetic clothing, the lint and fibers in the unclean washing water can seep into your septic system and cause it to overflow. If you have a septic system that is overflowing, call a professional. The beneficial bacteria and enzymes that work so hard to break down solids are unable to digest synthetic fibers, and as a result, the system becomes overburdened, resulting in costly system repairs. Installing a lint filter on your washer’s drain is one option. Alternatively, The Family Handyman provides a wonderful instruction on how to build one for yourself on their website.
9. Installing a Garbage Disposal
Unless you have a tank-based septic system in place, it is not suggested that you install a garbage disposal in your house. The food in your tank does not drop to the bottom, despite the fact that the bacteria are grinding it up into minute particles. As a result, solids pile up quicker than the bacteria can break them down. If you do have a disposal, exercise extreme caution while putting things down it. Non-food objects may find their way into your garbage disposal, even if you are extremely careful.
- One option for dealing with food waste is to compost it, which can then be used in your garden later on.
- Septic systems require special attention and maintenance to ensure that they continue to perform properly.
- If you take proper care of your septic tank, it will last you for years with little maintenance required.
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- Everything can be taught if you just give it the opportunity to do so.
Top 10 products to avoid using when you have a septic tank
What you let to enter your septic tank will have a direct influence on the efficiency and lifetime of the tank itself. Bacteria exist in your septic system, and they perform an important part in the system by digesting the organic waste that enters it. As a result, it is your responsibility to avoid flushing anything down the toilet that might potentially harm the beneficial bacteria. Try to avoid flushing anything that can be disposed of properly in the garbage as a general rule of thumb However, to make it even obvious, here are the top 10 home goods that should be avoided if you have a septic tank.
Fabric softeners
Fabric softeners are a terrible choice for septic system owners because of the way they operate on a fundamental level of operation. They accomplish this by introducing slimy chemicals into clothing in order to soften the textiles. These slimy molecules are referred to as quats (quaternary ammonium compounds), and they have been shown to be effective against bacteria. Also included in the formulation is an acid-base mixture that is intended to regulate pH levels while washing in order to increase absorption.
A pleasant aroma is also added to the fabric softeners by the use of chemicals such as phthalates and others. Fabric softeners become poisonous to bacteria as a result of the presence of all of these substances, and you should avoid using them.
Latex products
Latex materials are typically non-biodegradable, and as a result, they should be avoided while flushing the toilet. This implies that latex products will not be digested by the bacteria and will only be eliminated at the time of the next pumping session. In certain instances, the latex may even make its way into the drain field, causing the system to become clogged and ineffective. According to popular belief, latex condoms are only constructed from the material of rubber. Truth be told, certain synthetic components are also added to make them stronger and thinner, although this is not well known.
Medicines
Medicines are goods that should not be flushed down the toilet if you have a septic system in your home. Never succumb to the temptation of dumping leftover medications down the toilet. Pharmaceutical goods have the potential to disrupt the bacterial equilibrium in a septic tank, resulting in septic tank failure. The compounds included in medications are also capable of leaking through the drain field and harming the groundwater. This is actually a pretty typical occurrence in today’s society.
Instead of flushing your medications down the toilet, take use of accessible take-back disposal services.
Antibacterial soap
Even from the name, it is clear that antibacterial soap is a product that has been particularly created to fight bacteria. If you pour this sort of soap down your drain, it will accomplish exactly what it says on the label – it will destroy the beneficial bacteria in your septic system. To avoid this, simply wash your hands with regular soap. Natural disinfectants such as lime juice can also be used in place of antibacterial soaps to keep your home clean.
Cosmetics
Heavy metals such as zinc, chromium, silver, cadmium, and even titanium are included in the majority of cosmetic items. The septic tank becomes contaminated with some of these metals when you wash these cosmetics off in the sink. The fact that these metals are not biodegradable means that they will ultimately exit the septic tank in their original condition and wind up poisoning groundwater sources. Cosmetics, as a result, are among the most crucial goods to avoid while using a septic system.
Drain cleaners
Pipe corrosion is a result of the use of drain cleaners, which not only destroy germs in the septic system, but they also erode the pipes themselves. Therefore, drain cleaners should be avoided at all costs, especially in the case of people who do not utilize a septic system. To be on the safe side, utilize a degreaser that is both enzymatic and bacterial in nature. For anyone interested, Bio-Soli is now offering a really decent one. It comes in the form of a liquid and is really effective.
Bleach
Bleach is extremely poisonous to bacteria and should be avoided or used sparingly in any situation.
When it comes to washing clothing, using bleach in modest amounts is OK; but, if you use too much bleach, the bleach may destroy the beneficial bacteria in the septic tank. Furthermore, bleach will exit the septic tank in its original state, resulting in pollution of the groundwater supply system.
Dishwasher and laundry detergent
In most cases, phosphates and surfactants are included in laundry and dishwashing detergents, and these substances can readily enter the drain field. Apart from causing harm to the beneficial bacteria, these phosphates and surfactants have the potential to leach out of the septic tank in a hazardous form, poisoning the surrounding groundwater supply. Always use detergents that are devoid of phosphates to prevent getting into this situation.
Crushed food
It is not recommended to flush food particles down the toilet. Even though they have been crushed, they will not give up. This is due to the fact that food particles decompose at a slower rate than other types of organic waste. As a result, these food particles may find their way into your leach field, where they may cause clogs. All residual food particles should be scraped off the plates and disposed of in the compost bin after they have been used.
Fats, Oils, and Greases (FOG)
In the event that you pour FOG down your sink, you will draw all types of issues. In the first instance, the FOG will cool down and become trapped on the edges of the pipes. In the meanwhile, the collected fog will continue to trap debris, which might eventually result in clogged pipes. Second, bacteria are not easily able to break down fats, oils, and greases, as previously stated. FOG will just float to the surface of the septic tank and contribute to the formation of the scum layer. As the FOG continues to build up, the septic tank will begin to fill up much more quickly than usual.
Conclusion
Being aware of the items to avoid using in your house can assist you in extending the life of your septic system as well as avoiding avoidable failures in the future. The 10 goods to avoid that we discussed above are some of the most often dangerous products on the market, but the list just scratches the surface of the problem. The number of things that you may be utilizing that are operating your septic system without your knowing is virtually limitless. That’s why we put up a detailed eBook that includes a list of 30 things that you should avoid if you have a septic system.
