Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system. Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain.
DON'T flush material that will not easily decompose, such as hair, diapers, cigarette butts, matches, or feminine hygiene products. DO conserve water to avoid overloading the system. DON'T wash or flush medicines or hazardous chemicals like paint, paint thinner and bleach into the system.
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.
The best way to keep your septic system working well is not to put anything in it except human waste and minimize kitchen & laundry waste. Also, pump the tank according to industry recommendations (once every 3-5 years). Those are the most important things you can do to keep your septic system working properly.
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.
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.
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.
The average cost to pump a septic tank is about $395, but prices can vary widely, from $294 to $514. Several factors can influence the final price, including: Size of the tank: Larger tanks require more time and effort to pump, which can raise costs.
The average lifespan of a septic system is 15 to 40 years, but it can last longer if properly maintained! Think at the sink. Consider what you put into your toilet and sink and the impact it may have on your system. Many common household items can either clog your system or kill the microbes that treat the wastewater.
If you need to do several loads of laundry per week, do one or two loads per day, not ten loads on any given day. 4. Reduce the use of the garbage disposal. In general, garbage disposals are a bad idea when you have a septic system as they can cause you to quickly fill your septic tank.
Frequently Asked Questions About Septic Tanks
Water from your shower goes into the septic tank, so an overfull septic tank could lead to sewage backups.
When flushed, hair tangles with other waste and sticks to the inner walls of your pipes, creating blockages that are difficult to remove. Over time, this can lead to severe backups, costly septic system repair, and even damage to the delicate beneficial bacteria in your septic tanks.
However, back-to-back showers can release a lot of water and overwhelm your septic tank. The septic tank has a specific capacity and can only handle a limited amount of wastewater at a time. If excessive amounts of water enter the septic tank, it can overflow and cause water to pool in your yard.
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.
Identifying Signs of a Full Septic Tank
Slow Drainage: If your sinks, showers, and toilets are draining more slowly than usual. Unpleasant Odors: Foul odors around your property, particularly near the drain field.
Soda is often full of sugar and high in acidity, which, similar to coffee, can alter the delicate pH balance of your septic tank. While it's unlikely that you're dumping large amounts of soda out regularly, it's something to be aware of next time you don't finish your can of Coke.
Anaerobic bacteria begin eating the sludge. The bacteria digest it, releasing simple gases and liquids. Separation: Once the anaerobic bacteria have eaten the sludge, liquid from the tank slowly flows through the septic pipes. The pipes have holes, allowing the water to leak into the surrounding ground.
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.
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.
Do not put cigarette butts, paper towels, sanitary tampons, condoms, disposable diapers, anything plastic or similar non-biodegradables into a septic tank system. Avoid washing food scraps, coffee grinds, and other food items down the drain. Avoid using a garburator to dispose of kitchen wastes.
Pods are safe for septic tanks, but exercise caution if you have children and expect a higher price. Powdered detergent tends to clog septic systems because it doesn't always dissolve completely in the washer. Over time, this buildup can lead to plumbing blockages.