Although bleach effectively destroys germs, it can also ruin your septic system. Bleach kills both good and bad bacteria. If the good bacteria are destroyed, your tank won't be able to break down waste effectively. As a result, your septic system will become clogged with waste.
According to the Clorox website, bleach is safe to use with septic systems. I use it for laundry and for sanitizing brewing equipment every so often. I use about half a gallon of it (concentrate) every month and have never had any issues with my septic system.
Some products that you already use and have around the house are safe for your septic system. 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.
Don't Put Anything Non-Biodegradable in Your Septic System
Cigarette butts. Disposable diapers. Paper towels.
RID-X: This is one of the most popular septic tank treatments. It contains a blend of enzymes and bacteria that help break down waste and reduce odors. It's designed for regular monthly use.
Yes, Dawn dish soap is generally safe for septic systems. It's got quite a reputation for being septic-friendly, and for good reason. As long as you're not going overboard with it, Dawn isn't likely to mess with the bacteria in your septic tank.
Enzymes go to work on the scum, and bacteria goes to work on the sludge. The microbes eat the waste and convert large portions of it into liquids and gases. This process allows the septic tank to push the now-treated wastewater out to the drainfield.
Never pour oil-based paints, solvents, or large volumes of toxic cleaners down the drain. Even latex paint waste should be minimized. Eliminate or limit the use of a garbage disposal. This will significantly reduce the amount of fats, grease, and solids that enter your septic tank and could clog the drainfield.
Phosphate-free and made of biodegradable soaps, safe for septic systems and packaging is recyclable. Trusted Tide Clean. . Outstanding cleaning and stain removal.
Baking soda and vinegar are safe and effective cleaners for your household drains and, best yet, they are 100% safe for your septic tank and drain field. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners (i.e. most of the cleaning aisle at the big-box stores) can be harmful to the good bacteria in your septic tank.
Are Pine Sol® cleaners septic safe? Yes! Following the recommended use of any Pine-Sol® product will not harm your septic system.
Cottonelle UltraComfortcare is clog-free, septic-safe, and sewer-safe. Cottonelle uses renewable plant-based fibers, which makes this toilet paper biodegradable and great for your septic system. They do not contain any harsh ingredients or chemicals, so should not disrupt the delicate balance in your septic system.
So, to sum it all up, Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner and most other Lysol products are generally safe for septic systems if you use it like they tell you to. It cleans and disinfects well without hurting the good bacteria that your septic system needs. But remember, don't use too much of it or any cleaning stuff.
The chlorine component in bleach is what harms your septic system. Therefore, look for chlorine-free cleaners. Many chlorine-free products use formulas that release hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine. Other bleach alternatives include baking soda, tea tree oil, lemon juice, and vinegar.
Bleach is very effective, but many people prefer not to use it, and it can be hard on your septic system. As an alternative, baking soda and white vinegar can be used to clean your washing machine.
As a general rule, it is advised that you pump out your septic tank once every 2-5 years.
Most septic systems malfunction because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.
You must be careful not to upset the balance of bacteria in the tank. Bleach and other harsh chemicals used in laundry detergents can kill good bacteria. As a result, the septic tank will become more prone to clogs and will fail faster. Only use the minimum amount of bleach necessary to whiten your clothes.
Septic Safe Laundry Detergents
After doing some research with septic system companies, including Wind River Environmental, these are the best detergents for septic systems: Arm & Hammer Laundry Detergent. Charlie's Soap Laundry Detergent. Earth Friendly Laundry Products.
In general, a septic tank should be inspected every 1 to 3 years and pumped every 3 to 5 years.
For example, cigarette butts, sanitary wipes, diapers, and paper towels should never enter the septic tank. Nail polish, paint, glue, and motor oil are also substances that can destroy your septic tank. Also, specific cleaning detergents contain chemicals that can damage the septic tank.
You can replenish good bacteria in your septic tank by adding three rotten tomatoes or 1/4 ounce of yeast every three months. Put three overripe tomatoes in the garbage disposal while running the faucet. Or pour 1/4 ounce of yeast in the toilet and flush it down.
Septic systems rely on bacteria inside the tank that works to break down toilet paper and solid waste. As the solids get broken down, they are transformed into sludge that settles at the very bottom of the tank.
Heavy traffic, parking, or construction operations over the drain field can compact the soil in the region surrounding the drain field, which can impair the soil's capacity to treat wastewater properly. Compacted soil impairs proper effluent percolation, resulting in poor drainage and wastewater backup.
The typical cost of septic tank pumping varies depending on several factors, including the size of the tank, its condition, and the location of the property. On average, homeowners can expect to pay between $300 and $500 for a standard septic tank pumping service.