Septic system care is something that a lot of people take for granted. Many homeowners don’t know what should and should not go down their drain. The liquids that you put into your septic system impact how efficiently it will be able to function and the longevity of your septic system as a whole. Some everyday household liquids and other products can cause a great deal of damage to your system and may lead to an expensive repair. Avoiding these liquids for your septic can help save you money and your tank for many years.
Coffee
As any coffee lover knows, there’s nothing quite like starting the day with a steaming cup of joe. However, if you have a septic system, you might want to think twice before pouring your coffee down the drain. Coffee grounds can clog pipes and drains, and the oils in coffee can increase the risk of sewer backups. In addition, coffee is highly acidic, which can disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in your septic tank. As a result, it’s best to avoid the disposal of coffee grounds in your septic system. If you must dispose of them, dilute them with plenty of water first. Taking these simple precautions can help keep your septic system running smoothly – and enjoy your cup of coffee without worry.
Soda
Most people know that soda is bad for their health. The sugar, caffeine, and artificial ingredients can wreak havoc on your body. But did you know soda can also harm your septic system? The acid in soda can damage the bacteria in your septic tank responsible for breaking down waste. In addition, the sugar in soda can attract pests like ants and rats. And the carbonation can cause your septic tank to overflow. So if you want to keep your septic system functioning properly, it’s best to avoid soda altogether.
Juices
You love your morning orange juice. And your evening glass of wine. But I bet you didn’t know these can harm your septic system. That’s right! The problem is that juices contain sugar and other carbohydrates, which can feed the bacteria in your septic tank. These bacteria then multiply, causing your system to become overloaded and potentially leading to a backup. So, while you may enjoy your daily glass of OJ, it’s important to remember that it’s not necessarily good for your septic system.
Bleach
Bleach is often used as a powerful disinfectant, but it can harm septic systems. The chemical breaks down the bacteria that help to break down solid waste in the tank. This can lead to a backup of waste and an overflowed septic system. In addition, bleach can kill the beneficial bacteria in the soil that help to filter out contaminants. For these reasons, it is important to avoid using bleach if you have a septic system. There are other ways to disinfect your home without causing harm to your septic system.
Drain Cleaners
Many people use drain cleaners to clear their drains, but these products can be harmful to your septic system. Drain cleaners are highly corrosive; over time, they can break down the pipes in your septic system. Additionally, the chemicals in drain cleaners can kill the beneficial bacteria that help to break down waste in your septic tank. As a result, using drain cleaners can ultimately lead to septic system failure. If you need to clear a clogged drain, there are safer and more effective ways. For example, you can try using a plunger or a plumbing snake. Or, if you have a clogged sink, you can pour boiling water down the drain to loosen the clog.
Oils
When cooking, it’s easy to pour leftover oil down the drain. However, oil entering the septic system can clog up the pipes and prevent proper wastewater treatment. In addition, oil can also lead to the formation of sludge, which can reduce the septic system’s efficiency and cause it to fail prematurely. So if you want to keep your septic system in good shape, avoid dumping oil down the drain.
Antibacterial Soap
You might think using antibacterial soap would be a good way to keep your septic system healthy, but it can do more harm than good. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down waste and function properly. When you use antibacterial soap, you’re killing off the good bacteria along with the bad, which can eventually lead to a clogged septic system. Not to mention, antibacterial soap is filled with chemicals that aren’t good for the environment. So, next time you reach for the antibacterial soap, think twice about using it if you have a septic system. It might just be doing more harm than good.
Need Your Septic Tank Pumped Out? We Can Help!
If you have a septic system, it’s important to have it pumped out regularly to avoid any issues. Septic systems should be pumped out every three to five years, depending on your household size and the amount of water you use.
Contact us at Vi Reel Septic and Excavations; We’d be happy to test the levels for you. We can also help you pump out your tank to give you a fresh start.
We offer a variety of septic services to keep your system running smoothly. Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.