Hello, my name is Lelani O’Malley. Welcome to my website about keeping your plumbing system in great shape. When I bought my first home, I was shocked to learn that it was built in the early 1900s. Another shocking discovery awaited as I learned that the plumbing system remained from its original build. Upon learning those facts, I dedicated my time to learning how to keep that system in great condition. I developed this website to bring that knowledge to you as well. I want to help all my readers maintain their existing plumbing system for years to come. Thank you for coming by.
Home Products That May Damage Your Septic System
Taking good care of your septic system means avoiding putting certain things down your drain. Certain household products can both clog the system and damage the pipes. Even a one-time exposure to a damaging product can lead to expensive repair bills. Here are some home products, both liquid and solid, that should never be put down your drain if you have a septic tank:
Liquids
Chlorine bleach may be one of the most damaging products you can put down your drains. While bleach helps destroy bacteria and odors that are lurking in your drainage system, it is very caustic and can damage your pipes. In addition to the damaging effects bleach has on your pipes, it can also contaminate the water and soil, which may heighten the risk for a septic system breakdown.
Other liquid products that should not get inside your septic system include ammonia, dishwasher and laundry detergents, and drain cleaner. If your pipes get clogged, never use liquid drain cleaner because it can corrode your pipes. Instead, call a septic system service professional, who will come to your home and inspect your system. After the type of clog has been determined, an effective mitigation plan can be safely implemented.
Solids
Solid household products that may ruin your septic system include dryer sheets, feminine hygiene products, and dental floss. Kitty litter can also damage your pipe; however, there are certain types of kitty litter that are biodegradable, which may be safe for your septic system.
While biodegradable products are typically safe for septic tanks, always check with the manufacturer's recommendations on the product label to determine if you can safely use them. You should also avoid flushing your prescription drugs down your toilet because they not only have the potential to chemically damage your pipes, they can also contaminate the soil and water.
Also, if you are taking powerful drugs to treat a medical condition, the drugs may be in your system, so when you use the bathroom, your human waste that is contaminated with the drugs will get into your septic tank. If this is the case, you may need to have your septic system serviced and cleaned more often.
If you have a septic tank, avoid getting the above products into your system. In addition to this, schedule regular maintenance appointments with your septic system service professional. This will help prevent costly repair bills and will keep your system in optimal working condition for years to come.