Household chemicals for a septic tank: what is safe to use in a private home

Household chemicals for a septic tank in a house - what should it be? Some products can cause blockages, spread unpleasant odors and kill bacteria that are responsible for decomposing waste. Over time, these and other unpleasant consequences will lead to the fact that the septic tank will require expensive repairs or even replacement. In this article we will look at which products to use in houses with septic tanks, and which ones are best avoided.

Septic tank for home: how does it work?

Most country houses do not have access to a central sewer system. In such cases, one of the common solutions is a septic tank. It is easy to maintain and copes with its main task - wastewater treatment.

Such a system is not complicated. A septic tank consists of connected chambers. The wastewater first enters the first one, where it settles and begins to ferment. The liquid waste is then moved to the next chamber where it is broken down by bacteria. It is believed that septic tanks purify wastewater by 60-70%, so the water purified by the septic tank does not enter the soil, but enters the post-treatment system.

Bacteria, which are responsible for fermentation and recycling of waste, can be vulnerable to the effects of household chemicals. And the septic tank can become clogged - due to too large waste or even the accumulation of granules.

Household chemicals for a house with a septic tank - what can harm

Not all household chemicals are safe for homes with septic tanks. Let's figure out which products can cause harm.

Chlorine and other aggressive components

Chlorine is known for its disinfecting properties, which is why products based on it are still used in hospitals and public places. But this effect also has a downside. If you do not take into account the possible consequences for the human body (allergic reactions and burns), chlorine can simply kill bacteria in a septic tank. Then it will stop coping with its main task - cleaning wastewater.

This category also includes bleaches with a high content of active ingredients. They can also kill beneficial bacteria.

surfactants and phosphates

Surfactants are used in most household chemicals. They help fight contaminants, but can also have a negative impact on septic tanks. If their concentration is exceeded, they also affect bacteria, gradually destroying them. Surfactants are also responsible for the formation of foam - too much foam often causes blockages.

The effect of phosphates on septic tanks is similar. However, in addition to killing bacteria, phosphates also pollute the environment. In some countries their use is completely prohibited.

Polishes

Polishes, like other oil-based products, also harm septic tanks. The thing is that bacteria cannot cope with oils, but on the contrary, they begin to die. That is why you should not pour pure oils and fats into the sewer system of houses with septic tanks.

Products with a high alkali content

Alkali can also kill bacteria, but it can also cause corrosion and lead to clogs. Alkali in water can form sediment, which accumulates and over time leads to blockages in the pipes between the chambers of the septic tank. Therefore, products with a high alkaline content can be dangerous.

Washing powders

Laundry detergent granules may not dissolve well in water. Typically, high water temperatures are required for complete dissolution, meaning washing at low temperatures leaves granules in the drain. Растворимость порошка зависит от многих факторов – качество производства, действующие компоненты и прочее.

That is why in houses with septic tanks it is recommended to use liquid formulas - washing gels. They dissolve even when washed at a temperature of 30 degrees and do not lead to blockages in the system.

Chemistry for houses with a septic tank - which products are safe

Despite the number of products and components that can harm a septic tank, choosing household chemicals for a private home is not so difficult. Here are the criteria you should focus on:

Eco-friendly products. They are able to decompose even in natural conditions and show high efficiency in the fight against pollution.

Water-based products. They dissolve easily and do not lead to blockages or inhibition of bacteria.

Products with the sign “Safe for septic tanks”. They are created specifically taking into account the characteristics of the sewer system in houses with such a system.

It’s even easier - trust the brand YokoSun. They not only show effectiveness in combating pollution, but also do not harm septic tanks. The composition does not contain phosphates that pollute the environment, chlorine or oils. With a reliable assistant, it’s easy to take care of your home without fear of clogs in the septic tank and unpleasant odors.

What else to consider when maintaining a septic tank

Maintaining a septic tank really does not require much cost or effort. There are basic principles that will ensure the smooth operation of the system.

1. The septic tank needs to be pumped out regularly. Depending on the volume of the tank, pumping may be required once a year or less often - once every three to five years.

2. Check your septic tank for leaks. The easiest way to do this is during pumping. Indirect signs of a leak can be wet soil and abundant vegetation in the area with a septic tank.

3. Limit use of the area with the septic tank. The leaching zone (where post-treatment of wastewater occurs) requires attention. Do not place cars or other massive objects in this part of the site.

4. Control water volume and waste. The septic tank may require saving water - otherwise it will quickly overflow. Solid household waste, as well as unsuitable household chemicals, lead to blockages.

5. Use a bacterial supplement. Adding special bacteria to the septic tank will help break down waste in the drains. Depending on the type of septic tank and the frequency of its use, they should be added once a month or once a season.