Bleach is a commonly used household product, which you no doubt use for a variety of purposes. It's ideal for cleaning bathrooms and kitchens, killing bacteria, viruses, and mold, removing stains, and even refreshing white clothes and textiles. As it's such a versatile product, you might wonder whether it's appropriate for cleaning your septic system. Caring for your septic system can be tricky, with certain rules that are important to follow if you want to avoid damage. Knowing which chemicals and cleaning products you can use is essential.
Can You Use Bleach to Clean Your Septic System?
While bleach is useful for many other purposes, it's not a good option for cleaning your septic system. Bleach kills bacteria, and beneficial bacteria are essential to the workings of your septic system. These bacteria break down organic matter and other materials that go into your septic tank and bleach will kill them off, meaning your septic system will no longer do its job as efficiently. You might be aiming to kill "bad" bacteria, but in doing so you will kill the useful bacteria that your septic tank needs. Instead of using bleach, it's best to use natural cleaners for your septic system.
Standard household bleach may be suitable, provided you don't use too much of it, as it's diluted. However, extra-strong or thick bleach should be avoided.
Other Cleaning Products to Avoid
So bleach should ideally not go down your drains if you have a septic system. But what other cleaning products are best avoided? If you want to keep your septic system running as it should, you need to avoid cleaning products such as ammonia, laundry, and dish detergents and drain cleaners.
Ammonia can also kill the good bacteria in your septic tank, while laundry and dish detergents can cause damage to wildlife and even contaminate your drinking water supply. When choosing laundry detergent, liquid detergent is best and you should look for eco-friendly brands that are marked as safe for septic use.
Drain cleaner products can be acceptable in small quantities but there is a risk of them disrupting the bacteria and corroding the parts of your septic system too. They shouldn't be used too often, and it's best to try using hot water first if your drain has a blockage. The best option is a liquid drain cleaner, rather than foam or solid cleaners, which can cause problems.
Cooking oils may not be a cleaning product, but they should also not go down your drains. When they cool and solidify, they cause blockages, which can cause problems in the system and lead you to use drain cleaning products more.
General household cleaning products are generally suitable to use if you have a septic system, especially if you use natural products. However, you should avoid using strong products such as bleach or ammonia if you want to ensure your system works as it should. These products can kill the essential bacteria which is needed to keep your septic system working.
What Products Are Safe for Septic System Cleaning?
Some common non-hazardous household cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, OxiClean, and Borax will not damage your septic systems and may be used to clean them. However, for the best results, you should have a professional take a look at your sewer system to diagnose issues, clear blockages, and perform general maintenance. When you're facing a blockage or other issue with your sewage system, it often takes more than a simple cleaning to get things working back to normal. Fuller-Wente completes sewer line repairs, replacements, sewer jetting, and more in Mattoon, Illinois and the nearby areas. Contact us today for a FREE estimate of your sewer services!