Septic tanks are one of those things that go out of mind because they are out of sight. This applies as long as they don’t give you a lot of trouble, otherwise, they can quickly become top of mind! If you prefer not having trouble with your septic tank system, then the best thing to do is make sure you’re disposing of things in the right way.
There are some common household products you may be tempted to use, but which are actually bad for your septic tank. Here are the top four culprits.
If you have ever wondered how septic tanks work, the answer is bacteria. The bacteria in your septic tank need to be kept alive because they get rid of pathogens in the waste. However, most chemical cleaners are anti-bacterial. For instance, ammonia and bleach may work well for getting your bathroom clean and removing stains, but they will kill bacteria in your septic tank.
Kitchen or cooking grease is a major no-no when it comes to what to put in your septic tank. That’s because they add to the layer of scum in your septic tank. So, instead of pouring grease down the sink, you should install grease traps to stop grease from entering your septic tank.
In the same manner, bath oils will float to the top and create a layer of scum if they ever end up in your septic tank. This layer of scum isn’t easily broken down by bacterial activity and can also end up clogging drain fields.
The reason why latex products shouldn’t end up in your septic tank is that they are not biodegradable. That means they will just float in the waste until your septic tank gets cleaned out. The latex can also end up clogging the pump impeller and ruin your septic motor, so it’s best to keep latex products away.
There are many septic tank additives on the market that claim to boost the bacterial population in your septic tank system. However, unless it’s been recommended by a professional, an additive might do more harm than good. In addition, using an additive does not mean you can use anti-bacterial cleaners as you please.
Avoiding these products will keep your septic tank system working properly. Speaking of proper septic tank maintenance, keep in mind that most home septic tanks typically require cleaning every three to five years. Should you require any help with a septic tank that’s not working properly or needs to be cleaned, please give us a call. Our professional and expert team will get it sorted in no time!