What cleaners are safe for septic systems?
We just recently moved into a home with a septic system. Used have town sewer. So I am not used to it. I Used wash with bleach every time I did whites - and with two boys and a husband - I was bleaching ALOT. Now I find that bleach can mess up the system. What else is a "No no" for septics?
Public Comments
- Single biggest destroyer of your septic system is grease. 2nd is chlorine with phosphates bringing up a close third. Using bleach in your wash, high phosphate detergents and pouring this morning's bacon grease down the sink is truly bad news. Having said all that, some things in moderation can be overcome by using a septic tank additive periodically. I use Rid-X but there are several. Basically, septic tank health is dependent on bacteria being alive and well. You can drown them with to much water and over tax the system by putting in to many "undigestable" solids like grease. Forget you own the garbage disposal (put scraps in the trash or compost), use products listed on the label as safe for septic tanks (including toilet tissue), avoid lots of bleach, water and phosphates. You will still need to pump your system for maximum efficiency every 3 to 5 years.
