What cleaners are safe for septic systems?

Question

We just recently moved into a home with a septic system. Used have town sewer. So I am not used to it. I Used wash with bleach every time I did whites - and with two boys and a husband - I was bleaching ALOT. Now I find that bleach can mess up the system.

What else is a "No no" for septics?

Answer 1

Single biggest destroyer of your septic system is grease. 2nd is chlorine with phosphates bringing up a close third. Using bleach in your wash, high phosphate detergents and pouring this morning's bacon grease down the sink is truly bad news.

Having said all that, some things in moderation can be overcome by using a septic tank additive periodically. I use Rid-X but there are several. Basically, septic tank health is dependent on bacteria being alive and well. You can drown them with to much water and over tax the system by putting in to many "undigestable" solids like grease. Forget you own the garbage disposal (put scraps in the trash or compost), use products listed on the label as safe for septic tanks (including toilet tissue), avoid lots of bleach, water and phosphates. You will still need to pump your system for maximum efficiency every 3 to 5 years.

Answer 2

I don't think it is good to use Drano in any septic system. i would try pouring boiling hot water into the clogged drain and then using a plunger. [REMEMBERING THE WATER IS SCALDING HOT and being careful not to splatter myself.] Regular baking soda down the drain followed by regular vinegar is another strategy. There are some good septic system books in the bookstores that might also help get other perspectives. If you are using powdered laundry detergent switch to liquid detergent immediately. The ash in the laundry powder causes the cake o'crud in the septic tank. Discontinue letting grease go down the kitchen sink too. If these tips do not work, try to find the septic tank cover outside. Open the cover and look in; use a stick to see if there is a cake o'crud? If the answer is yes, and the drain inside is still clogged after the the hot water and plunger and baking soda and vinegar efforts I would call the Rotor Rooter man and have the tank pumped out. This should help a lot. If not you may have to call a plumber. I suggested the Roto Rooter guy first because I believe that would be cheaper. If the septic tank is caked up and full the plummer would would have to do the same or tell you this was needed.