House Products That are Not Good for Your Septic Tank System

If you own a septic system, then you are free from paying monthly sewer bills but are responsible for maintaining the system yourself. Therefore, it is important that you know what is good and what is bad for your system. Common maintenance items such as septic tank pumping can be assigned to septic professionals such as Septic Connection, but basic care is more likely your responsibility. For instance, knowing what household products are bad for your septic tank system is something you should take care of as soon as possible. As a token of our appreciation, Septic Connection would like to mention four household products that are no good for your septic tank system.

Ammonia and Bleach

These powerful cleaning chemicals are effective for getting you a shiny sink, tub, or toilet, but they can wreak havoc on your septic system. Small amounts of ammonia and bleach shouldn’t be too bad, so you are okay to use bleach for your laundry. However, dumping liters of this chemical down the drain can cause serious harm to your septic system by killing off vital bacteria housed in the septic tank. These bacteria are responsible for breaking down waste into sludge. Their well-being is in your interest.

Drain Cleaners

Drain cleaners are similar to bleach and ammonia in that they are powerful chemicals. Fortunately, drain cleaners are more diluted than the other two chemicals. Still, the chemicals in drain cleaners are caustic and harmful for “good” bacteria. It is okay to use drain cleaners once every several months but using them weekly or even monthly can harm the vital bacteria mentioned earlier. 

Antibacterial Soaps

Antibacterial soaps have been marketed strongly in recent years, but many studies have shown that they provide no more resistance against infectious diseases than natural cleaners and bar soap. Antibacterial soaps kill good bacteria in addition to bad bacteria. The bacteria in your septic system are good bacteria that are threatened if you send antibacterial soaps down the drains.

Laundry Detergent

Be careful with what laundry detergent you use if you own a septic system. Many laundry detergents contain phosphates and surfactants that are environmental contaminants. Since wastewater runs out into the drain field and percolates through the soil, these phosphates are liabilities. These hazardous chemicals can enter the soil and underground water sources, harming fish and contaminating drinking water.

Dishwasher Detergent

Some dishwasher detergents also contain phosphates and harmful surfactants just like some laundry detergents. Be mindful when selecting your dishwasher detergent. Opt for dishwasher detergents that do not include phosphates and harmful chemicals because you can be certain that these chemicals will find their way through the septic system and into the soil and underground water sources. You can be found liable for these damages and face legal consequences. Beware and be aware. Choose detergents that do not contain these harmful chemicals.

Need Septic Service?

If you need septic service, repair, replacement, or installations, then Septic Connection is your trusted septic company to call. Our friendly staff and qualified technicians are always ready to help. Call Septic Connection today to speak with a courteous professional and get started.