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What NOT to Allow in Your Septic System

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The best way to avoid problems with your septic system is to know what NOT to put in it. Most people know that you shouldn’t flush any non-biodegradable materials, but there are a lot of everyday things that we all use that also should not find their way into your system.

F.O.G.s

An easy way to remember the first batch of things that you should avoid putting down your drains:

F = FATS
O = OILS
G = GREASE

If you can avoid putting fats, oils and grease down your drains, your septic system will need a lot less cleaning and pumping. Commercial businesses are required to add a grease trap to food preparation areas to separate this type of wastewater from their on-site septic system, but homeowners should take heed to keep this gunk out of their systems as well.

One way to keep F.O.G.s out of your system is to pour any residual fats, oils or grease from cooking into an old coffee can for disposal instead of rinsing it down the kitchen sink. Oils, which can include body oils, hair oils, baby oil and other non-cooking items, should also be avoided whenever possible and not rinsed directly into the drain. Some hair conditioners and body lotions also fall under this category, so learn to be a label reader and look for products that are septic-friendly.

Chemicals

We use a lot of chemicals each and every day and don’t even realize it. Ammonia in the window cleaner, bleach in surface cleaners, disinfectants for the toilets. A lot of these household chemicals eventually make their way into your septic system where they can wreak havoc on the natural balance of bacteria and filtration, eventually leading to septic failure.

While it is important to keep your home clean and germ-free, make sure to choose all-natural, chemical-free solutions whenever possible and use toilet bowl cleaners sparingly according to the guidelines on the product labels. Choose laundry soap, stain removers, dish washing liquid, dishwasher soap and other products that go directly into the drain carefully. Look for non-toxic options that are made safe for septic use and follow the directions for usage.

Septic Tank Additives

There are a lot of products available on the commercial market that claim to be safe for use in septic systems. These additives are supposed to help keep your septic system running clean and clear, but can actually damage your system in the long run. Stick to a responsible preventative maintenance and cleaning program, learn about proper care for your septic system and apply all that you have learned to your daily activities, and you’ll never need to add tank additives.

Toilet Trash Can

A lot of people use their toilet as a trash can, flushing things that really have no business being in the toilet, drain or septic system. We’ve already discussed oils, grease, chemicals and additives in your drains, but when it comes to the toilet, some people seem to lose all common sense. Non-biodegradable materials can actually kill off the beneficial bacteria that is used to treat your wastewater. Plastics, disposable diapers, feminine hygiene products, condoms, cat litter, pet food, and pet waste are some of these items.

Poisonous Materials

If you have any leftover household chemicals from a renovation project, make sure to dispose of them responsibly. Don’t pour them down the drain and don’t just throw them in the trash can. Check with your local hazardous waste collection center for information on the proper disposal of paint, paint thinner, solvents and other toxic chemicals that can be dangerous for your septic system as well as the local landfill. Other poisonous, toxic materials that should never make their way down household or garage drains include antifreeze, pesticides, oil and gasoline.

Knowledge is Power

The more you know about septic systems and how they work, the easier it is to properly maintain and care for yours. Preventative Maintenance Programs, such as the one offered by Septic Preservation Services can help you to save thousands of dollars on costly repairs by keeping your system clean and running smoothly. Give Septic Preservation a call at 877-378-4279 for more information about our septic services or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Antibacterial Soaps and Cleaners and Your Septic System

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How do antibacterial soaps affect your septic system?

Check out this article by Sara Heger in the Onsite Installer:

Antibacterial soaps and wipes are now used by 75 percent of American households, according to a recent report. Products designed to kill microorganisms have become increasingly common in today’s homes. But how do these products affect septic tanks and septic systems, where microorganisms are essential?

To achieve proper treatment, a septic system is very dependent on millions of naturally occurring bacteria throughout the system. Daily, beneficial bacteria are added to septic systems, bacteria typically found in wastewater, our bodies, and other waste materials we dispose of via our septic system.

The use of antibacterial or disinfectant products in the home can and does destroy good and bad bacteria in the treatment system. Normal-use amounts of these products will destroy some beneficial bacteria but the population will remain sufficient and recover quickly enough to not cause significant treatment problems.

Excessive use of these products in the home can cause significant and even total destruction of the bacteria population in a septic system. Often the use of a single product or single application will not cause major problems, but the cumulative effect of many products and many uses throughout the home may add up to an excessive total and cause problems. In addition, with many of the products a greater amount is used when they are in a liquid form. More research is needed to determine what is “excessive” and which products are more or less harmful to systems.

What products are we talking about?
There are over 1,000 products that are concerning in relation to having a good bacteria community, including: ‘antibacterial’ hand soaps; tub, tile and shower cleaners; drain cleaners; toilet bowl cleaners; laundry bleach products; and others. Also included are ‘antibiotics’ that may be prescribed for medical treatment. These are products that are found in nearly all homes. “Antimicrobial” is the general term for any product or ingredient that kills or inhibits bacteria, viruses or molds. Disinfectant and chlorine bleach are common antimicrobials. Antibacterials, on the other hand, are only effective against bacteria. Lots of cleaning products and liquids now claim to be “antibacterial.”

There’s a growing consensus that antimicrobial household cleaners won’t keep them any safer from infectious illnesses than regular types. In 2000, the American Medical Association issued the statement that antibacterial soaps were no more effective against germs than common soap. Although they initially kill more germs than soap, within an hour or so there is no difference in the numbers of germs that have repopulated the area. In fact, experts say, it’s not the type of cleaner that matters in combating germs, but the frequency and thoroughness of cleaning; plain soap, hot water and elbow grease are generally enough to do the job. As with antibiotics, prudent use of these products is urged. Their designated purpose is to protect vulnerable patients.

About the Author
Sara Heger, Ph.D., is an engineer, researcher and instructor in the Onsite Sewage Treatment Program in the Water Resources Center at the University of Minnesota. She presents at many local and national training events regarding the design, installation and management of septic systems and related research. Heger is education chair of the Minnesota Onsite Wastewater Association (MOWA) and the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA), and serves on the NSF International Committee on Wastewater Treatment Systems.

Call Septic Preservation Services at 877-378-4279 for all your septic questions or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Drain Cleaners Can Hurt Your Septic System

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Drain cleaners can be an easy choice when your kitchen or bathroom drain becomes clogged, but they are not a great choice for the health of your septic system. Septic systems rely on natural bacteria to treat wastewater. The harsh chemicals found in drain cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria needed by your septic system to process wastewater.

Chemical drain cleaners are one of the most dangerous of all the cleaning products on the market to human health. Most contain very corrosive ingredients such as sulfuric acid, lye, and bleach that can burn your eyes and skin. They can be fatal if ingested and these cleaning products are required by law to carry a warning label listing their harsh ingredients. Care must be taken to keep these out of the reach of children.

Even very low amounts of a drain cleaner used in a septic system results in significant decreases in concentrations of Coliform bacteria and a decrease in PH when higher concentrations are used. It could take up to 48 hours for bacteria population to recover to original levels.

What is a solution to your clogged drains? The best remedy is to prevent drains from being clogged by having good catch basins in all the drains of the home. Purchasing inexpensive plastic or metal screens for the drains can keep many wastes from going down the drain including hair and food products. Food scraps as well as oils and grease should never be allowed down the drain.

Most clogs occur about 6 inches below the drain opening in the trap. Taking apart and cleaning this area can remove the clog. Plungers can also be helpful in removing a clogged drain. If that doesn’t work, a snake or auger can be put down the drain to remove the blockage. Clean-out ports can be removes to help access the clog. If no luck, it’s always best to call a professional who has the equipment and expertise to get the job done.

If you feel you must use a chemical drain cleaner, look for an enzyme-based cleaner. They are less harsh on your system. You can also try a homemade recipe: Pour 1/2 cup salt and 1/2 cup baking soda down the clogged drain. Then pour 6 cups of boiling water after it. Let it sit overnight and then flush with hot water.

Septic Preservation Services can help you with any of your septic system questions. Call 877-378-4279 or visit www.septicpreservation.com

Cleaning Products Safe for Septic Systems

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One of the most important ingredients in your septic tank system is the microorganisms that live in the tank. These naturally-occurring microorganisms work to break down waste solids and process the sludge and wastewater in your system. Unfortunately, many of the chemicals and cleaning agents used in our everyday lives are harmful to the microorganisms. Homeowners that have a septic system, should refrain from using dangerous products that could potentially make their way into the septic tank and kill off these helpful microorganisms. Here are some tips that will help you to choose the best possible products for your home that are also safe for septic systems.

Chemical Cleaners 101
Part of septic tank care is knowing what you can put down the drain, and what you can’t. Septic systems in New Hampshire and Maine are vulnerable to failure caused by user error. The best way to stay on top of your septic system and ensure that it is working effectively and efficiently to process and remove waste is to get a preventative maintenance program from your local septic system service provider. A professional, experience technician can help to keep your system running in tip top shape and give you advice on proper septic tank care.

To determine whether or not a cleaning product is dangerous to your septic system, read the label. Many cleaning products are required to use the words “dangerous” or “poisonous” on their labeling to advise consumers of the danger associated with using or misusing the product. The word “warning” on a label indicates a moderate level of hazard associated with the product and the word “caution” is dangerous to an even lesser degree.

Your best bet is to choose cleaning products that say “septic friendly,” but they can be hard to find. Choose products that contain active ingredients that are bio-based or natural, as opposed to chemical-based cleaners. For example, citrus, vegetable, pine oils and seed-based cleaners are a better choice than chemical options. Don’t trust advertising claims that call products “green” or even “environmentally certified,” as many of those claims are exaggerated and have nothing to do with being safe for septic use.

Disinfectants 101
Another product that people who have septic systems in New Hampshire and Maine need to be aware of is disinfectant. While these products are extremely helpful in reducing exposure to germs, bacteria, viruses and other potentially hazardous and infectious microorganisms, they will also kill the helpful microorganisms inside your septic tank.

Limit the use of disinfectants to surfaces, such as counter tops, trash cans and tables, rather than in sinks or toilets, areas that could cause these products to make their way into your septic system. Natural fruit or vegetable based all-purpose cleaners should be used in these vulnerable areas.

Homemade Solutions
There are a lot of homemade solutions that can be used to clean your home instead of chemical-based products. In addition to being beneficial to septic tank care and being safe for septic systems, these homemade solutions go a long way toward reducing the amount of chemical exposure to your family. Even families without septic systems are turning to these tried and true homemade solutions and are moving away from chemical-based cleaners.

Vinegar is a very effective cleaner for most household surfaces. It can be used to remove stains from tile or porcelain, eliminate hard water stains from shower doors and is an excellent choice for cleaning a smelly dishwasher or washing machine. It is the best choice for cleaning a toilet bowl. Just pour two cups of vinegar into the bowl and allow it to sit overnight. Scrub with a brush and flush.
Lemon juice is a natural wonder, due to its acidic qualities. It is also a natural disinfectant and will leave your home smelling fresh and clean. It can be used to clean counter tops, toilet bowls, sinks and kitchen appliances. Add two cups of lemon juice to a bucket of hot water and scrub. It can also be used in the toilet similar to the vinegar solution for an alternative cleaning option.
Baking soda works to both clean and deodorize your home naturally. It is safe for septic systems and is one of the best cleaners to use for those who are concerned about septic tank care. Just sprinkle baking soda onto counter tops, in sinks, onto the toilet bowl or anywhere else that needs cleaning. Scrub with a sponge or brush and wipe or rinse away with water.

Preventative Maintenance Program
Once you learn how to read the labels and how to avoid using potentially damaging chemicals in your home, the best thing to do for septic systems in New Hampshire and Maine is to join a preventative maintenance program with a trusted, professional septic system service company. Septic Preservation Services has been serving customers throughout the region since 1995 and is licensed and insured to provide residential and commercial services in both New Hampshire and Maine.

In addition to a comprehensive preventative maintenance program, Septic Preservation Services also offers New Hampshire and Maine inspections, confidential septic evaluations, trouble shooting services, remedial repairs and septic rejuvenation. Homeowners with septic systems in New Hampshire and Maine can trust the knowledge and experience of the technicians at Septic Preservation Services. Call SPS at 877-378-4279 for pricing, information or to set up an appointment for an inspection of your residential or commercial property. Visit www.septicpreservation.com for more information.