What Not To Use In A Septic Tank? (Solution found)

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 products Cannot be used 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 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.

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.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for septic systems?

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.

How do I increase bacteria in my septic tank?

Flush a packet of brewer’s dry yeast down one toilet on the bottom floor of your house once a month. The yeast will help add “good” bacteria to your septic tank and break down waste.

Can you use Pine Sol with a septic tank?

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

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.

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!

How can I increase bacteria in my septic tank naturally?

Homemade Septic Tank Treatment The ingredients required for this natural solution are the following: Water, Sugar, Cornmeal, and Dry Yeast. To concoct this mixture, first start by boiling roughly a half gallon of water. Add in 2 cups of sugar. The sugar will act as the first food your bacteria will eat!

Is Epsom salt good for septic systems?

While Epsom salt doesn’t cause damage to your septic tank, this doesn’t necessarily mean you should go flushing it into your tank. Many individuals think flushing Epsom salt in their septic tanks will break down waste. While salts can unclog a toilet, the effect Epsom salt has on your septic system will be minimal.

Is Lysol toilet bowl cleaner safe for septic systems?

It’s safe for plumbing and septic tanks, and cleans and disinfects both above and below the water line. Angled Spout for Hard-to-Reach Areas – This bottle is easy to use in urinals and toilets of all sizes. Allow cleaner to sit for at least 10 minutes then brush the entire bowl or urinal and flush.

Can you use Lysol with a septic system?

Assuming that you follow the directions on using it appropriately, the Lysol bowl cleaner will not harm your septic system. This cleaner is an effective cleaner and disinfectant that is safe and harmless to use in toilets. Other toilet cleaner brands may contain acids, but if it is considered safe when not used often.

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:

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

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. ​

Household Products That Will Ruin Your Septic Tank!

About the Author:Steve McGonagle, owner of Septic Genie, assists homeowners in diagnosing and resolving septic system problems. After being patented in 1995, the Septic Genie device has assisted thousands of homes in restoring and avoiding the expensive cost of “dig and replace” septic systems that have failed. is a website dedicated to providing trouble-free septic for life. ​

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. As a result, they are categorized as non-biodegradable materials.

Medicines

In the majority of cases, latex materials are not biodegradable and should be avoided in the toilet. Therefore, latex products will not be digested by the bacteria and will only be eliminated at the time of the next pumping operation. Occasionally, latex can make its way into the drain field, causing the system to get clogged and causing a backup of water. According to popular belief, latex condoms are only constructed from the material latex. Truth be told, some synthetic materials are also used to make them stronger and thinner, which is why they are called “filler materials.” They are thus categorised as non-biodegradable for this reason.

Antibacterial soap

Latex materials are typically non-biodegradable, and as a result, they should not be flushed. Therefore, latex products will not be digested by the bacteria and will only be eliminated at the time of the following pumping cycle. In certain instances, the latex may even make its way into the drain field, causing the system to become clogged. Many people believe that latex condoms are only constructed of rubber, which is not true. Truth be said, certain synthetic materials are also used to make them stronger and thinner, which is a good thing.

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.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

• Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
• Conserve water
• Dispose of waste properly
• And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order. Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract.

• The size of the household
• The total amount of wastewater produced
• The amount of solids present in wastewater
• The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

If additional repairs are recommended, contact a repair professional as soon as possible. An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

• Toilets with a high level of efficiency. The usage of toilets accounts for 25 to 30% of total home water use. Many older homes have toilets with reservoirs that hold 3.5 to 5 gallons of water, but contemporary, high-efficiency toilets consume 1.6 gallons or less of water for each flush. Changing out your old toilets for high-efficiency versions is a simple approach to lessen the amount of household water that gets into your septic system. Aerators for faucets and high-efficiency showerheads are also available. Reduce water use and the volume of water entering your septic system by using faucet aerators, high-efficiency showerheads, and shower flow restriction devices. Machines for washing clothes. Water and energy are wasted when little loads of laundry are washed on the large-load cycle of your washing machine. By selecting the appropriate load size, you may limit the amount of water wasted. If you are unable to specify a load size, only complete loads of washing should be performed. Washing machine use should be spread throughout the week if at all possible. Doing all of your household laundry in one day may appear to be a time-saving strategy
• Nevertheless, it can cause damage to your septic system by denying your septic tank adequate time to handle waste and may even cause your drainfield to overflow. Machines that have earned theENERGY STARlabel consume 35 percent less energy and 50 percent less water than ordinary ones, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Other Energy Star appliances can save you a lot of money on your energy and water bills.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

• Septic systems are not meant to be used as garbage disposal systems. A simple rule of thumb is that you should not flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet if you can help it

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

• If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
• Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

• The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed. Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

• Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

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.

1. Consider starting a compost pile for food waste that is derived from plants.
2. 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.
3. If you didn’t create it and it isn’t toilet paper, you should avoid flushing it altogether.
4. Drain cleaners are quite damaging to your plumbing system, as well as to your septic system as well.
5. Drain cleansers should not be used!
6. Cleaners for the home.
7. Bacteria-killing products such as bleach, toilet bowl cleansers, and home cleaners are also available.
8. The use of household cleansers, which do not discriminate between harmful and healthy bacteria, should be minimized to the greatest extent feasible.
9. 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.
10. 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 – Septic Tank and Septic System Services, Repairs, Installations in New Jersey

Skip to the main content MenuClose Take note of these suggestions on what to do and what not to do if you have a septic system for waste management at your residence or place of business. A decent rule of thumb is: if you haven’t eaten it, wouldn’t eat it, or couldn’t eat it, don’t put anything in the septic system.

Septic System Do’s

• Spread out your laundry usage over the course of the week rather than doing many loads on one day. However, while it may be handy to dedicate a whole day to laundry, doing so would place a significant strain on your septic system. Consider connecting your laundry trash to a separate waste disposal system to save money (dry well or seepage pit). While it is not generally essential, it will minimize the pressure on the regular system and allow a mediocre system to survive. Laundry loads should be spaced out and only complete loads should be washed. In order to complete one load of laundry, 47 gallons of water are required. It makes a significant difference to your septic tank if you just do one load every day rather than seven loads on Saturday. In addition, front-loading washers consume less water than top-loading washers
• Liquid laundry detergent should be used. Clay is used as a ‘carrier’ in powdered laundry detergents to transport the detergent. This clay can expedite the building of sediments in the septic tank and perhaps fill the disposal area
• Reduce the number of home cleaners (bleach, strong cleansers, and similar harmful compounds)
• And reduce the amount of fertilizer and pesticides used. Home sewage treatment systems are not adversely affected by the presence of detergents, food waste, laundry waste, and other household chemicals in reasonable proportions. Don’t forget to keep a permanent record of where the most important sections of your septic system are situated in case you need to do future maintenance (such as septic pumping service or field repairs)
• Schedule septic pumping service on a regular basis. Every two to three years, or if the total depth of sludge and scum surpasses one-third of the liquid level of the tank, the contents of the septic tank should be drained out. It is possible that the sediments will be transferred into the absorption field, or leach field as it is more frequently known, if the tank does not receive regular cleaning. A rapid blockage ensues, which is followed by a premature failure, and eventually the leach field must be replaced. In comparison to rebuilding your leach field, pumping your septic tank is less costly. Instead of using the inspection ports located above the inlet and exit baffles, insist on having your septic tank cleaned through the manhole in the center of the top of your septic tank. Don’t forget to keep track of your septic pumping service and septic system maintenance. When at all feasible, conserve water by using water-saving gadgets. Reduced flush toilets and shower heads are readily available on the market. Install water fixtures that consume little water. Showerheads (2.5 gallons per minute), toilets (1.6 gallons), dishwashers (5.3 gallons), and washing machines are all examples of high-volume water users (14 gallons). A family of four may save 20,000 gallons of water per year by putting fixtures such as these in their home. Inspect any pumps, siphons, or other moving elements in your system on a regular basis
• And Trees with substantial root systems that are developing near the leach field should be removed or prevented from growing there. Planting trees around your leach field is not recommended. Branches and roots from trees in close proximity to the absorption lines may clog the system. Check your interceptor drain on a regular basis to verify that it is free of obstructions
• And Run water routinely down drains that are rarely used, such as sinks, tubs, showers, and other similar fixtures, to prevent harmful gases from building up and producing aromas within
• All drainage from the roof, cellar, and footings, as well as surface water, must be excluded from the drainage system. It is permissible to discharge drainage water directly to the ground surface without treatment. Check to see that it is draining away from your sewage treatment facility. There should be no drainage of roof downspouts into the leach field. When water softeners are used, the backwash contains salt, which might harm your leach field. In order to protect your well and precious plants, you should discharge this waste into a separate system or to the ground surface. Make sure that swimming pools (above-ground or in-ground) are kept away from the leach field.

Septic System Don’ts

• Garbage disposals should be avoided. In addition to increasing the accumulation of solids in the septic tank, garbage grinders also increase solids entering the leach fields and pits, which are both detrimental to the environment. Their downsides exceed the convenience they give, and they are thus not suggested for houses that have their own sewage treatment systems in place. If septic tanks are utilized, the capacity of the tank should be raised, or the discharge should be routed via a separate tank first, known as a garbage tank. The system should discharge into the septic tank or into a separate leaching system rather than straight into the current leaching system once it has been installed. For those who have a garbage disposal, make sure to pump it more frequently– or, better yet, compost your kitchen wastes altogether. Disposals result in the accumulation of fats, particularly from meat and bones, as well as insoluble vegetable particles. Here are a few items (this is not an exhaustive list) that should never be dumped into a septic tank or leach field:

• Cigarette butts, disposable diapers, sanitary napkins, tampons, handi-wipes, pop-off toilet wand scrubbers, garbage, condoms, hair, bandages, and so forth

• Ragstrings, coffee grounds, paper towels, anti-bacterial soaps – biodegradable soaps only
• No “biocompatible soaps”
• Ragstrings, coffee grounds, paper towels Dead fish or small animals
• Rubber, plastic, or metallic things
• Hard toilet paper – soft toilet paper is preferable for the tank.

• Excessive use of chlorine and chemicals should be avoided – (1 part chlorine to 5 parts water makes an effective bacteria cleaning spray)
• Allowing water conditioning backwashes or outflow from water softeners, purifiers, sanitizers, or conditioners is not recommended. Dehumidifiers and air conditioners release moisture
• Discharges from hot pools and jacuzzis Water from leaking devices, such as toilets that are difficult to detect. Make a habit of color testing the toilet on a regular basis to look for septic system issues. Keep dirt and inert materials to a minimum. Clothes, fruits, and vegetables that have been soiled should be dusted off before washing. Even diluted, do not dispose of chemicals from x-ray equipment since they will condense and harm the subsurface environment, which is against the law. Avoid using hair conditioners that include heavy oils – if you do, please let us know so that we may make adjustments to compensate with more or alternative bacteria (or avoid using them totally if they are not biodegradable). Keep grease from the kitchen OUT of the septic system. It is difficult to break down and might cause a blockage in your drain field. In order to dissolve these oils, there are currently no known solvents that are safe for use in groundwater. Chemical additions for septic tanks are not advised. Household systems cannot function properly if additives are used. In addition, excessive use of these chemicals may cause the waste from your toilet to be released into your septic tank, causing your system to fail prematurely. It is possible that some additives will damage your groundwater. In order for your septic system to function properly, no extra additives are required. Many of those that market their services as “solid waste removal” really deliver on their promises. During the solids removal process, the solids are transported to a disposal field. When the solids reach the disposal area, they shut up the space and cause the system to malfunction. Furthermore, although it is not harmful, it is not required to “seed” a new system with yeast or other organisms. Even routinely disposed of human waste includes enough bacteria to populate the septic tank, and other microorganisms are already in the soil and stones of the disposal region

The 3 Worst Things To Put In Your Septic System

Posted at 6:01 a.m. on September 15, 2016 by Nothing is more hazardous to your septic system than throwing stuff down the toilet that don’t belong there in the first place. Certain goods are unquestionably worse than others. Putting the incorrect object down a drain or flushing it down the toilet might result in a costly and time-consuming repair job down the road. Eventually, it will back up your pipes, resulting in blockages and eroding the tank to the point where you will need a professional to come in and pump it out for you.

The following are the three worst things you can put in your septic system to avoid this from occurring to you:

1. Grease. Your mother always warned you not to flush grease down the toilet, and she was absolutely correct! Grease will not break down in the same way that water and garbage will, and you will end up with a clogged drain that will allow nothing to pass through. Blockages in the septic system can cause the septic system to back up, which can cause major damage to your septic system. Pour your grease into a container and set it aside to harden before throwing it away. As a precaution, wipe down your pans with a paper towel to ensure that no grease goes down the drain
2. Anything else other than trash and toilet paper should not go down the toilet drain. You’d be shocked at the variety of items that people flush down the toilet. A good rule of thumb is to remember that a toilet is not a garbage can! Always use caution while flushing anything down the toilet, including cat litter and coffee grounds, sanitary napkins and tampons, diapers and baby wipes, and cigarette butts, among other things. In the event that it does not adequately break down, you will have a major blockage and back-ups. The consequences of doing so will be far worse than you may anticipate for your septic system. Chemicals that are potentially hazardous. Heavy chemicals such as bleach, motor oil, dangerous chemicals (including those used to kill rodents and pests) and other toxic substances should never be used in your septic tank. If you flush them down the toilet, you will be eliminating all of the beneficial bacteria that aid in the breakdown of waste and the proper operation of your system. Additionally, you will be poisoning your soil, which is a health threat for everyone! Make sure to properly dispose of toxic chemicals and to use ecologically friendly cleaning solutions for your sinks and bathrooms.

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Posted at 22:10:10 in the AM Sewage Treatment Plant 0 Comments A sewage overflow is the last thing that any property owner wants to deal with on their land. If you have a septic tank, this is something that is likely to happen unless you maintain it properly. Septic systems provide a variety of advantages, including the removal of contaminants from surface water and the reduction of the danger of illness spreading across the community. They do, however, need greater attention than standard, centralized sewage systems.

Let’s take a look at five materials that should never be introduced into your system.

1. Food Items

Food should be disposed of in the trash instead of down the garbage disposal. Solid food waste might clog your system and cause it to malfunction. Furthermore, the accumulation of oil and grease on the tank’s surface will result in a layer of buildup. An overflow might result, causing contamination in the soil around the area where it occurred. You might want to think about building a compost pile where you can dispose of organic waste. This will keep undesired objects out of your septic system and will benefit the environment rather than harming it.

2. Medications

You should avoid flushing any form of medicine down the toilet. This applies to both prescription medications and common over-the-counter medications. Septic tanks are filled with beneficial microorganisms that aid in the breakdown of waste. Medication can upset the delicate equilibrium of these microorganisms, resulting in serious issues in your aquarium.

Aside from contaminating groundwater, pharmaceuticals can also cause environmental impact through polluting the environment. Groundwater contamination of the water supply might pose major health problems if it reaches the system.

3. Chemical Cleaners

Although drain cleaning products are effective in clearing minor blockages, they can do serious damage to your plumbing system. They’re particularly detrimental to septic systems. They have the same effect as pharmaceuticals in that they upset the delicate balance of beneficial microorganisms in your tank. In addition, you should minimize the amount of other home cleansers that you dispose of through sinks and toilets as well. Bleach, toilet bowl cleaning, and all-purpose cleansers are examples of such products.

4. Ordinary Toilet Paper

Never flush regular toilet paper down the toilet or into your septic system. This will result in a significant backup, which may necessitate the use of expert septic service. Purchase toilet paper that is meant to disintegrate and biodegrade fast, rather than regular toilet paper. Toilet paper brands that are septic-safe are readily available, and the label on the exterior of the container may easily be seen by consumers.

5. Other Trash Items

It’s critical to keep tiny waste items and debris out of your septic system to ensure proper operation. As a result, you will be less likely to get blockages or have your tank fill up too soon. Tissue, paper towels, kitty litter, dental floss, and wet wipes are examples of items that should not be flushed. As a result, they should be disposed of in your trashcan instead. A good rule of thumb is to only flush human waste and toilet paper that is safe for septic systems. When at all feasible, you should avoid utilizing your waste disposal as well.

Take Care of Your Septic Tank in Long Island

Keeping tiny waste items and debris out of your septic system is extremely crucial for the health of your system. Avoiding blockages and having your tank fill up too rapidly will help you prevent these problems in the future. Tissue, paper towels, cat litter, dental floss, and wet wipes are among the items that should be avoided flushing. As a result, they should be disposed of in your trashcan. As a general rule, only human waste and toilet paper that is safe to flush down the toilet should be used.

Perspective

Do you have any questions about how septic systems work? During the whole time I lived in Cincinnati, I never gave it a second thought. All of the residences I resided in were linked to a municipal sewer system. I attached a sewage connection to nearly every house I constructed throughout my construction career. Only a few of the houses I constructed required their own septic systems. One particular house, on the other hand, stands out in my memory. The land was insufficiently large to sustain a standard leach field setup.

1. An engine with a propeller mounted on a shaft that extended down into the septic tank was there.
2. This engine would spin for 10 minutes per hour, similar to how a kitchen blender would function.
3. Visiting a medium- or large-scale sewage treatment plant will reveal exactly what I’m talking about.
4. A excellent method of getting rid of all of the potentially dangerous substances that may be found in wastewater is to introduce oxygen into it.
5. Wastewater travels via a 4-inch pipe that links to a big precast concrete tank when you flush your toilet or when water drains from a tub, shower, vanity, or kitchen sink, among other things.
6. Septic designers calculate the size of the system depending on the amount of waste that is expected to be generated in the home on a daily basis.
7. Within the tank, some tanks have different walls and baffles than others.

As they make their way inside the tank, these creatures are meant to crash into this wall.

Make certain that your tank is fitted properly so that the drain line enters the tank with the drain pipe pointing exactly at this little wall.

The bacteria in the tank begins to work immediately to break down the waste.

For every gallon of water that enters the septic tank, a gallon of water exits the tank in the same manner.

It flows from the tank to the leach field, or it is pushed up a slope to get there.

The pipes are often put on a thick layer of washed sand to provide a stable foundation.

Plenty of oxygen may be found in the sand, which also contains a large number of microorganisms.

It’s a straightforward method that has stood the test of time.

Several years ago, when living in Cincinnati, I used to flush everything and everything down my drainpipes.

That was a poor attitude, and local sewer plant workers wished that more people shared their concern for the environment.

grease from kitchen pots and pans had been emulsified by me, and it had most likely solidified farther down the sewage line.

The only things that should be flushed down the toilet are waste from your body and toilet tissue.

Never flush flushable wipes down the toilet or into a septic tank or public sewer system.

Visit theAsktheBuilder.com website and view my flushable wipes demonstration video!) If you plan to construct in a rural region where a septic tank will be required, consider installing a utility sink in the laundry room or garage that drains straight outside of the building.

As a result, many inspectors allow this gray water to flow onto the ground away from your property since they don’t want you to put paint, grease, or other unidentified substances into your septic tank.

The need to pump your sewage tank at least once every three years cannot be overstated.

The expense of replacing a leach field might run into the hundreds of dollars.

You can understand why doing so is quite beneficial. It costs less than $100 on average each year, on average. Subscribe to Tim’s free newsletter and tune in to his latest podcasts to stay up to date. Visit the website: AsktheBuilder.com.

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?

Homeowners and business owners who do not have access to a centralized sewer system might opt for septic tanks as an alternate method. Their most common placement is a subterranean area directly outside the main structure, in a region where human activity generates the need for wastewater to be flushed down a sewer. This wastewater can come from a variety of different sources, including the kitchen sink, dishwasher, bathtub, laundry room, and the toilet seat. The majority of the time, this effluent is more than 99 percent liquid.

The wastewater is cleansed inside the tank and then disseminated deep into the surrounding soil through a network of pipelines, where nature can naturally break down the organic pollutants in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.

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. It is both cost-effective and ecologically friendly.

What Should Go in Septic Tanks?

A few things can be accepted and broken down within the septic tank system, but the majority of things cannot. Your best practices are outlined in the following 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.