What Chemicals Should Not Be Poured Down Drain Septic Tank? (Correct answer)

If you’re on a septic system, you should never pour any type of bleach down your toilet. Bleach kills the beneficial bacteria that break down septic waste.

The following items should never be poured down the sink with bleach:

• Vinegar.
• Ammonia.
• Rubbing alcohol.
• Acetone.
• Toilet cleaner.
• Disinfectant cleaners.
• Pesticides.

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• Bleach, motor oil, and toxic chemicals (even those for rats and pests) are all no-nos for your septic tank. If you flush them down the drain, you’ll destroy all the beneficial bacteria that assist your system break down waste and keep it functioning smoothly. How frequently should my septic tank be treated?

What chemicals should you avoid with a septic tank?

But to make it even clearer, here are the top ten household products to avoid when you have a septic tank.

• Fabric softeners.
• Latex products.
• Medicines.
• Antibacterial soap.
• Cosmetics.
• Drain cleaners.
• Bleach.
• Dishwasher and laundry detergent.

What cleaning products are not safe for septic systems?

5 Household Products that Are Bad for Your Septic

• Ammonia & Bleach. While ammonia and bleach are great for getting your bathroom clean or removing stains from your clothes, a large amount can cause serious damage to your pipes and septic system.
• Laundry Detergent.
• Drain Cleaner.
• Cooking Grease.
• Cat Litter.

What chemical kills septic tank?

Caustic soda or lye at high levels in a septic tank risks killing the bacteria needed to break down sewage pathogens both in the tank itself and also in the soil into which the septic tank effluent is discharged.

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.

Can I put muriatic acid in my septic tank?

You don’t want to put muriatic acid into your septic system or into a municipal sewage system. That means you need to add it to your toilet bowl when the water level in the bowl is minimal. If you add any extra, it will go down the drain line toward your septic tank.

Is washing soda safe for septic tanks?

Homemade laundry detergents generally consist of all-natural, biodegradable ingredients, which are safe to use with a home septic system. Commonly used ingredients such as natural soap, borax, washing soda, and vinegar will not harm a septic system.

Is Pine Sol safe for septic tanks?

Q: Are Pine Sol^® cleaners septic safe? A: Yes! Following the recommended use of any Pine-Sol^® product will not harm your septic system.

Is Dawn dish soap septic safe?

Yes, Dawn Platinum is septic safe!

Is Dawn powerwash safe for septic tanks?

One of the best know is commercials for Dawn dish soap. The ability for the cleaner to disperse oil and grease is better for cleaning, as it helps to break it up. The reason these are bad for septic systems is because if you use too much they can leach out into the environment without being properly treated.

Should you put chemicals in a septic tank?

In general, septic system chemicals are not needed and are not recommended: Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by expert sources.

Do I need to add chemicals to my septic tank?

Chemicals and other additives promoted to keep a septic system “healthy” or “free-flowing” or “nourished” are generally not required nor recommended by any known expert sources.

What can break down poop in septic tank?

Yeast helps actively breaks down waste solids when added to your septic system. Flush ½ cup of dry baking yeast down the toilet, the first time. Add ¼ cup of instant yeast every 4 months, after the initial addition.

Is OxiClean septic safe?

Ammonia products are safe for use in septic systems, in small amounts. Vinegar (white vinegar and apple cider vinegar), Borax, OxiClean, and baking soda are some products that can be used to clean very well and be septic-system safe. Oxidized bleaches are also a less hazardous alternative to chlorine bleach.

Is Borax safe for septic tanks?

Borax can be a good alternative for cleaning products for homeowners that have a septic system, but again, all things in moderation. Borax has been shown to be non-toxic to people, and significantly safer for the beneficial bacteria that live in your septic tank.

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.

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.

1. 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.
2. It has the ability to withstand bacterial activity and embed in the solid waste layer.
3. Grease from the kitchen Grease of any kind contributes to the buildup of scum in your septic tank.
4. Unless otherwise instructed, you should avoid dumping oil down your sinks.
5. In addition, dryer papers might jam the entrance baffle.
6. Over time, the clay will clog your pipes and cause your septic tank to fail completely.
7. 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.

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.

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. Before washing greasy utensils, wipe them down with a paper towel to ensure that you are not flushing too much fat down the drain.

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.

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

The usage of household items in your home that are designed to work with a septic system is quite important. Biological breakdown of wastes and solids is relied on by septic systems, however for these bacteria to exist, they require a certain type of environment. Using the incorrect type of detergent in your washing machine or the incorrect drain cleaner might result in the death of beneficial bacteria and the ineffectiveness of your septic system. Overflows, obstructions, flooded drain fields, and even groundwater pollution can result as a result of these conditions.

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:

This might account for a significant amount of the volume in your septic system. It’s likely that the majority of laundry detergents available at your local grocery shop include some form of environmental contamination. Pay attention to the following things:

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

When it comes to dishwasher detergent, it’s more likely than laundry detergent to include phosphates and surfactants, both of which are toxic to the microorganisms in your septic tank. They can also move through your septic tank to the drain field, where they can eventually seep into the soil and leach into ground water, putting your family at danger of drinking polluted drinking water. Find and use detergent that is free of phosphates.

DIY Drain Cleaner:

1. 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

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. Following its entry into your septic tank, the oil produces a layer of scum on top of the floating waste, preventing it from being properly disposed of. After that, the bacteria are unable to penetrate the oil, which prevents them from decomposing the trash. A clog in your drain field might also be caused by the oil.

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. ​

Liquids That Can Impact Septic Tanks

WebAdminon has written this article. Postings under Uncategorised The amount of liquid waste generated in your house can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic tank. Learn about the many types of liquids that might create difficulties for your septic tank, as well as some alternate waste disposal options. 1. A cup of coffee Although coffee grounds make excellent fertilizer for gardens, the grinds can cause serious difficulties for septic tanks since they do not decompose and can accumulate over time.

• Because of the strong acidity of coffee and the pH levels of the coffee, it might cause serious problems for a septic tank.
• If the bacteria are unable to live owing to a pH imbalance, the waste may not be broken down, resulting in the tank overfilling or becoming clogged.
• If you have a substantial pH level imbalance, it is possible that the coffee waste is the source of the problem.
• Soda (cola) Soda is another beverage that contains a high concentration of sugars and acids, which may cause changes in the pH balance of your septic tank over time.
• A compost bin is one option to explore for beverages such as soda, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages.
• Individual servings of soda drink trash can be poured straight into a compost bin, or a pitcher can be used to collect soda drink waste.
• 3.

Many freshly squeezed juices also include pulp, which can cause further complications for a septic system.

Clogs may form as a result of the accumulation and may be difficult to remove.

BleachWhen it comes to cleaning sinks, bathtubs, and toilets, you can rely on bleach to restore the aesthetic of each fixture while also removing filth.

The chemicals in bleach can cause harm to your home’s plumbing system before it ever reaches the septic tank.

Change your cleaning routines in order to decrease or eliminate the quantity of bleach you use in your household.

5.

Liquid drain cleaners, which are similar to bleach, may be effective at clearing obstructions, but they may cause harm to a septic system.

As a consequence, while the blockages in the drains may be cleared, the usage of a liquid drain cleaner may result in far more serious problems.

For example, Contact us at Rob’s Septic Tanks, Inc., if you have any questions. We will assist you in pumping out the tank in order to offer you a fresh start and to allow you to maintain stable pH levels in the future.

What Cleaners Not to Use in a Septic Tank

WebAdminon has written this piece. In the Uncategorised section, You should be aware that the amount of liquid waste you generate in your house can have a significant influence on the performance of your septic tank. Examine how various liquids might produce issues for your septic tank and discover several alternatives for dealing with the resulting trash. coffee as a first point of contact Despite the fact that coffee grounds are an excellent fertilizer for gardens, the grinds can cause serious difficulties for septic tanks since they do not break down and can accumulate over time.

• – Because of the pH levels in coffee, the strong acidity of the coffee can cause significant problems for a septic tank.
• Due to a pH imbalance, the bacteria may not be able to live, resulting in the waste not being broken down and the tank overfilling or becoming clogged.
• If you have a substantial pH level imbalance, it’s possible that the coffee waste is the source of your problem.
• ) Soda is another beverage that contains a high concentration of carbohydrates and acids, which may cause pH balance alterations in your septic tank.
• If you drink soda, coffee, or other caffeinated beverages, a compost container is an option to explore.
• Use a pitcher to collect soda drink trash instead of pouring individual servings directly into a compost bin.
• Juices are the third option.

Moreover, pulp is included in many fresh juices, which poses extra complications for a septic system.

Clogs that are difficult to clear may occur from the accumulation of debris.

When used to clean surfaces in your house, bleach may cause serious damage to your septic system because of the hazardous compounds in the product.

It is possible that if bleach gets into your tank, it will cause damage to the tank’s sides and will also destroy any beneficial bacteria that is there.

Investigate more natural bleach options that include less toxic chemicals.

Liquid drain cleaners, which are similar to bleach, may be effective at clearing obstructions, but they may be harmful to a septic system.

Consequently, while the obstructions in the drains may be cleared, the usage of a liquid drain cleaner may result in far more serious problems in the long term.

The chemicals might pose a threat to plants, pets, and other species in the surrounding area. Rob’s Septic Tanks, Inc. is the company to contact. We will assist you with pumping out the tank in order to offer you a fresh start and to allow you to maintain stable pH levels in the long run.

Septic Tank Cleaners and Additives

If you want to maintain the health of your septic tank and drainfield, avoid using septic tank cleaners and additives. The treatments include bacteria, enzymes, and yeast; nevertheless, the cleaners/additives do not eliminate the requirement to pump your septic tank or maintain your drainfields in a suitable manner (by not parking vehicles or heavy equipment over the drainfields). Several septic tank cleaning products include organic chemicals that can harm your septic tank, drainfields, and wells and groundwater, as well as pollute them.

Household Cleaners

Do not overfill your septic tank with home cleansers such as bleach, laundry detergent, cleaning powder, or other chemicals that might harm the bacteria in the tank. Because your septic tank includes waste-eating bacteria, the use of these cleansers can help to lower the number of bacteria present in your septic tank. If only tiny amounts of household cleansers are used, the quantity of bacteria in the tank varies and returns to normal very fast. Over time, large volumes of these cleansers can deplete the septic tank system’s bacteria population, causing it to fail completely.

If the cleaner’s label contains the words “Danger” or “Poison,” this indicates that it is extremely harmful and should not be used.

Products labeled as “nontoxic” or “Septic-Safe” are safe for use in your septic tank, but they must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions and with just the required quantity of cleaning specified on the label.

Drain Cleaners

Caustic drain cleaners should not be used to unclog a clogged drain. To unclog a clogged pipe, use boiling water or a plumber’s auger (also known as a sewer snake). A plumber or a septic tank repair firm should be consulted if a sewer snake is not accessible or you are not familiar with how to use one.

Cautions

When trying to unclog a clogged drain, avoid using caustic drain cleaners. If you can’t get the clogged pipe to unclog using boiling water, you can use a plumber’s auger (sewer snake). Septic tank repair services and plumbers can help if you do not have access to a sewer snake or do not know how to use one.

Cleaning Products & Septic Tanks

The wastewater from your house has to be able to flow readily into your septic tank. Septic tanks are capable of withstanding a great deal of chemical deterioration. It is, nevertheless, critical to understand how chemicals impact your tank’s performance. The majority of everyday home goods eventually find their way into the septic tank. If they are not deemed safe, their presence might result in an emergency situation.

Why Do Chemicals Harm Septic Tanks?

A septic tank includes more than 100 different types of chemical contaminants. Many of them are caused by cleaning materials that are not properly disposed of after use.

Products that contain poisons that will unquestionably injure the body’s internal organs. As a result, it is not recommended to pour hazardous substances down the drain in significant quantities. A consequence of this will be contamination of the good bacteria that breaks down waste water.

What Products Should Avoid the Septic Tank?

Approximately 3 to 5 liters of goods that are hazardous to a person’s health may be found in the ordinary household. If these types of goods make their way into your septic tank, you may have some problems. As a result, continue to use the product until the bottles are completely depleted. Alternatively, dispose of them at a trash management facility. The following products should be avoided:

• Fuels, motor oil, antifreeze, solvent-based lubricants, pesticides, and lawn care products are all examples of items that fall within this category.

Is Anything Safe?

Some goods, such as dish soap, are completely safe to flush down the drain of your kitchen sink. Ammonia, bleach, and laundry detergents are among the substances that seldom endanger the operation of a septic tank. When these items eventually make it to the tank, they become diluted significantly. Disinfectants, bathroom cleansers, and pine cleaners are all examples of cleaners that are “septic tank safe,” as are other household products. What is the reason behind this? Alkyl dimethyl and benzyl ammonium chloride are two ammonium compounds that are commonly found in these cleansers.

It goes without saying that you should read the instructions on the label before disposing of the waste.

Our team is concerned about the safety of you and your family.

Tips For Effective Maintenance Of Your Septic System

People who live in the country or who have a vacation home off the grid are more likely than not to have their property connected to a municipal sewer system. It is typically prohibitively expensive to build pipes from these homes all the way out to the municipal sewers, if at all this is even conceivable. The option is to install a septic tank on your property. Exactly what it sounds like: a big tank buried beneath your home into which the waste from your plumbing system is sent. The best part about them is that they are absolutely undetectable and odorless if they are placed and maintained correctly.

Follow these guidelines to ensure that your septic system is properly maintained.

Be Careful Of What You Put In It

We all need to be cautious about what we flush down the toilet or rinse down the drain, but for those who own a septic tank, this is especially true. Overburdening the system or placing improper items into it might result in serious consequences. Some products that you should avoid putting into your septic system include the following ones:

• Overuse of Household Chemicals: While things like laundry detergent, bleach, and household cleaners are typically safe to use in moderate amounts, it may be a good idea to switch to a more environmentally friendly option. It is not recommended to pour anything else into a septic system, including but not limited to paint, nail polish remover, paint thinner, or other chemicals. These compounds will have a negative impact on the biological activities that take place inside the tank and break down solid waste. Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) are a kind of fat. These compounds have the potential to coagulate in your pipes and cause blockages. If they do make it into the septic tank, they will congeal and create a clump of grease at the top of the tank, which will obstruct the flow of other material into the tank. The use of a trash disposal in your sink may be handy, but it can put a significant pressure on your septic system. In addition, be cautious about what you flush down the toilet in the first place. Clogs in the septic tank can be caused by feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable things that do not decompose in the environment.

Clean And Maintain Your Septic Tank Regularly

Even with ideal everyday use, every septic system must be cleaned out on a regular basis in order to function properly. The frequency with which you must perform this task is determined by the capacity of the tank, the amount of time it is utilized, and even your geographic location. Because of the difference in bacterial activity and decomposition rate between northern and southern temperatures, septic systems in northern climates require more regular cleaning than those in southern climates.

In general, you should have a professional clean out your system every two to three years, depending on how dirty it is.

Signs That Your System Is In Trouble

The majority of septic systems require cleaning out on a regular basis, even when they are being used properly. The frequency with which you must perform this task is determined by the volume of the tank, the amount of time it is utilized, and even your geographic position. As a result of the differential in bacterial activity and decomposition rate between northern latitudes and warmer climates, septic systems in northern climates require more regular cleaning. In general, you should have a professional clean out your system every two to three years, depending on how much debris has accumulated.

• Every septic system, even with excellent everyday use, need cleaning on a regular basis. The frequency with which you must perform this task is determined by the capacity of the tank, the amount of time it is utilized, and even your geographical location. Because of the difference in bacterial activity and decomposition rate between northern and southern temperatures, septic systems in northern climates must be cleaned out more regularly than those in southern climates. In general, you should have a professional clear out your system every two to three years, or more frequently if necessary.

The Plumbing Nerds Can Rescue An Ailing Septic Tank

You should not attempt to fix a problem with your septic system on your own if you are seeing warning signals or if it is due for periodic maintenance. This is the type of work that should be left to the professionals here at Plumbing Nerds, not the average homeowner. Getting started is as simple as dialing (239) 500-6373 or scheduling an appointment on our website.

3 Septic System Myths: Debunked

Food should never be disposed of in the garbage disposal. This is a typical expression among those who possess a septic system. Some individuals, however, believe that the phrase â€don’t flush your supper down the kitchen sink†means that they shouldn’t use their garbage disposal at all, which is incorrect. ” Your septic tank is capable of handling tiny pieces of food resulting from routine waste disposal use. Small pieces of food are broken down by the sewage tank’s ecology and bacterial population.

1. Grease in your sink is one thing you definitely don’t want to happen.
2. Grease is a dual menace since it is both a plumbing and a septic adversary.
3. This might result in drainfield failure, which would be a very expensive problem.
4. Never flush cleaning products down the toilet or down the sink.
5. It is never a good idea to dispose of cleaners and solvents that are not permitted for flushing down a sink or drain into your sink or toilet, much alone any drain in a house that is on septic.
6. A modest infusion of bleach from a load of laundry will have no effect on the bacteria and water in your septic tank, which holds several thousand gallons of water.
7. These vast quantities of highly concentrated chemicals are not suitable for disposal in a septic tank.

Also keep in mind that devices that release chemicals continuously, such as a toilet bleach puck, are not suggested.

Never flush uncooked cleaners, bleach, or other home chemicals down the toilet or down the sink.

It is possible that breaking this regulation will result in your septic tank being “broken.” 3.

Keep your money in your pocket.

The ecology simply need the normal bacteria that it obtains from naturally occurring human waste to function properly.

There are no well-established studies that demonstrate significant benefits from the use of additives.

Most additives, according to the Washington State Health Department, have no beneficial influence upon the performance of on-site systems and, in fact, can pollute groundwater aquifers, render septic drainfields useless, and cause homeowners to incur significant costs in repairs.

However, they are not required and are only a “gimmick” for producing money.

Stopping your tiny troubles in their tracks before they grow into large difficulties is essential! You may also leave a comment and one of our managers will get back to you! For a complete list of Stamie Lyttle’s services, please check our Residential Septic Services page.

What Things Should You Never Pour Down the Drain

Any substance that takes on the appearance of a “liquid form” can be safely flushed down the toilet, contrary to popular belief. Actually, there are several substances — both liquid and solid — that may cause significant damage to your drainage system and septic tank when they are disposed of in this manner. The materials listed below should not be poured down your drain, and the damage they do to both your drainage and septic systems will be discussed in this article. What objects should you avoid flushing down the toilet?

• There are certain sorts of waste that your drainage system and septic tank are not designed to handle.
• The most common cause of clogged sink drains is the accumulation of leftover oils and fats after cooking.
• It is this congealed material that causes hundreds of sewage clogs every year, and it is the cause of many of them.
• Oils and fats cannot be broken down by septic systems because they are too thick.
• As the fat solidifies, it will ultimately create a scum layer on the surface of the tank, which will slow down the decomposition process below it and may even make its way out of the tank through the outflow pipe.
• Drain cleaner and similar products are safe to use in moderation, but always read the label and follow the directions on the product before using it.
• What impact do they have on your septic system?

Septic tanks function by breaking down solid waste through the use of microorganisms.

Chemicals can also be corrosive, which means they might cause harm to the septic tank itself.

Food, especially small pieces of food, are not intended to be flushed down the toilet or into the drain system.

Aside from that, they may attract rats and other pests.

What impact do they have on your septic system?

When the bacteria are unable to break down the solid meal rapidly enough, the result is often a thick, black sludge that is difficult to remove from the environment.

When you hire CammackWilcox to empty your septic tank, they will also remove the sludge from the tank for you.

Our professionals are always on hand to provide professional advise on how to properly maintain your septic tank system, and we’ll take care of any problems the same day they arise.

Our services also include the emptying of sewage pools, sewage pits, oil interceptors, and gully traps. Get in contact with our staff if you have any questions regarding any of the numerous services that we provide.

Aviod Using Chemicals in Septic Tanks

While chemicals for cleaning your septic tank may be touted as a quick and simple process, the fact is that these products are incredibly detrimental to your sewage system and should be avoided at all costs. A normal septic tank can include over 100 identifiable chemical contaminants, many of which are the result of home goods that were incorrectly disposed of down the drain, according to the technicians who perform the sewage cleaning Culver City residents rely on. However, although certain goods may be acceptable to use in your septic system, others may pose major environmental risks and may even cause damage to your drainage system.

• Additionally, drain cleaners contain some of the most corrosive compounds that can be found in your house; one of the major elements is a compound that acts to break through clogged pipes and dissolve grease.
• Sodium hydroxide and other corrosive chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid, when used in excess of the recommended daily dosage, can cause catastrophic damage to your septic tank.
• Others, on the other hand, may include chemicals that pollute groundwater and cause damage to the septic tank.
• Aside from that, septic tank additives may be detrimental since they add extra sediments to the system, which can produce a blockage in the drainfield; in addition, the chemicals may damage surface and ground water sources.
• What to Use in Its Place By combining baking soda, boiling water, and vinegar, you can manufacture your own DIY drain cleaner that is less hazardous to your septic tank than using toxic chemicals.
• Before closing the drain, add another cup of baking soda and one cup of white vinegar to make a total of three cups.
• You will not be exposing your septic tank to any harsh chemicals if you use this technique.

In order to guarantee that your septic tank is not harmed during the cleaning process, check the label to ensure that they are not toxic to the environment.

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

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 in life. 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 any damage. These should be avoided at all costs, or you will be forced to pay the price (figuratively).

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 technique to deal with grease is to allow it to cool and harden 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.

“Too much of everything is bad,” as my grandmother used to say, and she was right.

4. Introducing Additives to Your System

Those advertisements for a septic tank enzyme supplement that you see on TV every now and then? It asserts that natural enzymes aid in the breakdown of waste, increasing the efficiency of your system and boosting its overall performance. Make no mistake: septic tank additives can potentially do more harm than help to your septic system. The enzymes break down materials too quickly, causing the smaller particles to float to the surface and then spill out into your drain field, clogging it up even worse.

The use of any additives or chemicals in your septic system is not recommended under any circumstances. What is the solution? Don’t do anything. Allow your tank to operate in its natural state, as it was intended.

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

If you don’t get your septic tank drained on a regular basis, you’re increasing the likelihood of it failing. This is one of the disadvantages of using a septic system rather than a municipal water connection. tanks have a limited capacity and must be emptied every 3 to 5 years, or even more frequently if you use your system frequently. If you don’t drain your tank eventually, it will back up and overflow into your home through your plumbing fittings, causing damage. Nobody wants to be responsible for that shambles!

7. Planting Trees and Shrubs on Your Drain Field

Many homeowners like the aesthetics of having trees in their yards. Additionally, having a picturesque lawn with well-kept trees and shrubs increases the curb appeal of a home, 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 constricting roots of those stately trees and shrubs, once they begin to sink their roots deeper and deeper into the soil, 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.

8. Washer Lint Overload

Trees in the yard are popular among homeowners who like the aesthetics of them. 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 structures. However, if you plant them right on top of your septic system (also known as the drain field), it might result in serious and costly difficulties down the line. With their restricting roots, those towering trees and bushes can infiltrate a drain field if their roots begin to descend further and deeper into the ground.

This causes them to grow directly in the path of your drain pipes, causing wastewater flow to be slowed or completely stopped. Remember where your drain field and septic tank are placed precisely, and avoid growing significant amounts of vegetation in that region as a result of this story’s moral.

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.

What can you put down a septic system?

What you put into your septic system has a significant impact on its capacity to perform its function. Your septic system contains live organisms that break down and treat waste as it moves through it. As a general guideline, you should avoid disposing of anything in your septic system that might just as easily be disposed of in the garbage can. This guideline applies to both the bathroom and the kitchen in your home.

bathroom waste

No wipe, not even flushable wipes, is safe to use in a septic system. They have the potential to completely degrade a septic system in as little as three years of frequent use. Eighty percent of backups are caused by heavy, multi-ply toilet paper; as a result, it is advisable to use single-ply or thin, 2-ply toilet paper whenever possible.

• Make use of the proper techniques of disposal. Toilet paper and wastewater are flushed down the toilet. Everything else should be disposed of in the garbage pail. Do not flush paper towels, cigarette butts, sanitary and baby wipes, tampon applicators, condoms, disposable diapers, or anything else that is plastic or non-biodegradable down the toilet or into your septic tank. Keep an eye out for wipes in particular, as none of them are septic-safe. Use household cleansers (bleach, toilet cleaner, and so on) solely according to the directions on the label. When these chemicals are used excessively, they might cause damage to your septic system. Be mindful that any medication that has not been used should be disposed of at a drugstore. Installing water-saving toilets will help you save money by lowering the amount of water you use per flush. Water-saving toilets utilize just 1.6 gallons of water every flush, as opposed to the 3-5 gallons per flush used by a standard toilet
• They are also more energy efficient. Additionally, faucets and showerheads that conserve water should be purchased. These things have the potential to reduce water use by 50%
• As soon as you spot a problem with your toilet or faucet, call a plumber to fix it. A toilet that continues to flush after it has been flushed can waste between 5 and 10 gallons of water each hour. Leaks can cost you as much as $240 each year in repair and replacement. Do not let the water to run needlessly as this will cost you a lot of money. Only turn it on if you want to use it
• Else leave it off.

kitchen waste

• It is important not to flush large amounts of food down the drain while washing your dishes. Before rinsing, always scrape coffee grounds, scraps, and other debris into the trash bin. Never flush anything down the toilet, including paint, gasoline, bug or weed killer, and so on. These poisonous compounds can contaminate your septic system and, in certain situations, cause damage to the nearby water supply system. Cooking fat (such as bacon grease) should not be flushed down the toilet. It has the potential to thicken inside the drain and cause obstruction. When cleaning out your drain, avoid using solutions that contain chemical ingredients. Make use of your waste disposal in the manner intended. It is not a garbage bin in any way! Always select the garbage can over the sink if an item can be disposed of in that manner. There are trash disposals that are particularly built for use with a septic system, such as the InSinkErator Evolution Septic Assist 34 HP Household Garbage Disposal, which is available from Amazon. Each time you use these disposals, enzymes are released into the environment. Instead of putting dishes in the sink, scrape them into the garbage. Make use of a drain catcher to avoid an excessive amount of scraps from going down the sink drain. If you have a water softener, it is unlikely that it will have an adverse effect on your septic system
• Nonetheless, you should check with your specialist to be sure.

the laundry room

• When shopping for a washing machine, seek for one that has the EnergyStar sign on the front of the machine. Washing machines that are energy-efficient consume half the amount of water that conventional washers use. Make the most of each load to the greatest extent possible. Instead of doing multiple tiny loads of laundry, try to do one large load at a time to save time. It is wasteful to run tiny loads unnecessarily since it wastes water. Distribute your loads as far as possible. Instead of doing a large amount of laundry on a single day, try doing a few of loads each day numerous times a week. It is preferable to drain any hot water on a planted area rather than too close to the septic tank or the drainfield. Use of caustic drain openers and cleansers is prohibited.

A lot of problems may be avoided by educating yourself and your family on what might damage your septic system. This will save you a significant amount of money and aggravation in the long term, while also benefiting the environment and the health of your family members.

how to maintain your septic system

Follow these helpful hints to ensure that your septic system has the longest possible life.

• Make use of the services of a qualified specialist to develop a maintenance strategy. Make an appointment for an annual examination of your septic system. Utilize the services of an effluent filter to limit the amount of particles that exit the tank, so extending the life of your septic system. Make sure you get your septic system professionally cleaned every 2 to 3 years, or more frequently if necessary, by an experienced and qualified expert
• If you have any reason to believe that there is an issue with your system, contact a professional. It is far preferable to catch anything early than than pay the price later.

common septic questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by septic system owners.

What is bad for septic systems?

No plastic items such as paper towels, sanitary and baby wipes, condoms, disposable diapers, or anything else should be flushed down the toilet or dumped into your septic system. Wipes should be avoided at all costs since none of them are septic-safe.

How do I keep my septic system healthy?

As yeast and bacteria aggressively break down waste particles, flush around 12 cup of instant dry baking yeast down the toilet, and then add 14 cup of instant yeast every four months until the waste solids are completely broken down.

Can I use bleach if I have a septic tank?

When bleach is diluted with laundry water, it should have no effect on the microorganisms in your septic system. Pouring powerful bleach or other harsh chemicals down the drain, on the other hand, is not recommended.

who should you call for septic issues?

Septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services are provided by Norway Septic Inc., a service-oriented company devoted to delivering outstanding septic tank cleaning and septic tank pumping services to households and business owners throughout the Michiana area. “We take great delight in finishing the task that others have left unfinished.” “They pump, we clean!” says our company’s motto. If you believe that your septic system is having troubles, or if you require septic replacement components such as septic filters, please contact us right once.

Our affiliate connections to these items generate a small profit for us if you decide to purchase them via our links.