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Can anyone provide me with a list of products that are safe for septic systems?
We are moving to the country this summer and our new house has a septic system rather than public sewers. This is very new to us and since the house also has a dishwasher, I was wondering about a septic safe dishwashing liquid, among other things. I know bleach and tampons are out-I've been doing a little research. I have also heard that rid-X can help. I have also heard the rule of thumb about "If it can't go through you, it shouldn't go through your septic system."
If you have a septic and can provide me with some national (U.S.) brands that are OK for most household chores I would appreciate it!
Thanks!
9 Answers
- 1 decade agoFavorite Answer
Suggested Detergents, Bleaches & Toilet Paper for use in Septic Systems:
Detergents: Should be concentrated, low-sudsing, low (or no)-phosphate, and bio-degradable. Aeration systems should use powdered detergent to prevent foaming in the aeration chamber. Septic tank systems should use liquid detergents.
Amway S-A-8
Arm & Hammer
Boraxo
Cheer
Dash
Equator
Fresh Start
Oxydol
Seventh Generation
Here's a list of environmentally friendly laundry detergents:
All Free and Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
Bi-O-Kleen Laundry Powder
Cal Ben Seafoam Laundry Soap
Charlie's Soap Laundry Detergent
Country Save Laundry Products
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds
Earth Friendly Laundry Products
Ecover Liquid Laundry Wash
Ecover Ultra Washing Powder
Ecover Wool Wash Laundry Liquid
Healthy Living Fresh Laundry Concentrate
Mountain Green Ultra Laundry Liquid
Mrs. Meyers Laundry Detergent
Naturally Yours Laundry Detergent
Oxy Prime Laundry Detergent
Planet Ultra Liquid or Powdered Laundry Detergent
Planet Delicate Laundry Wash
Restore Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation Laundry Liquid
Seventh Generation Laundry Powder
Sodasan Soap Washing Powder
Ultra Citra-Suds Natural Laundry Detergent
Toilet Tissue (should readily dissolve)
Cottenelle
White Cloud
Northern
Cleaning products: Recommend using non-chlorine, non-ammonia, non-antibacterial, non-toxic and bio-degradable.
Avoid multiple wash loads (3 or more) in one day; spread out your laundry during the week. Multiple loads will "flush" the system, resulting in the sewage not being treated. Recommend using the concentrated form of laundry detergent, as fillers in the economy size containers do not dissolve easily.
Do not operate dishwasher and washing machine at the same time.
Repair leaking/flowing faucets or toilets immediately. Use water flow reducing devices whenever possible. Limit excessive water use of any kind.
How often to pump out the tank?
http://ohioline.osu.edu/aex-fact/0740.html
Do not waste your money with any kind of septic system additives, they do not work and some can damage your system. See
http://www.shelterpub.com/_shelter/ssom_additives.... for an excellent, non-biased article.
More frequent pumping is necessary if garbage disposals are used.
To Prevent Malfunction Of Your Sewage Treatment System
The Following Materials Should NOT Be Discharged Into The Sewer:
• Plastic Materials (including condoms)
• Tampons, tampon applicators, sanitary pads, etc.
• Cloth
• Large quantities of acids or caustics – soaps or cleaning materials, with a high or low pH factor
• Cigarette stubs
• Coffee grounds
• Disposable diapers
• Rubber Products
• Paper Towels
• Tissues
• Grease or fatty materials
• Oily materials, motor oils, grease, kerosene, gasoline, paints, etc.
• Any material which does not disintegrate or dissolve readily
• Backwash water from water softeners
• Sump pump discharge
In short, the ONLY thing that should be flushed into the sewage treatment system is what naturally comes out of humans and toilet paper. This includes septic system additives! There are no additives that will significantly help the system, and there are some that can hurt the system.
Source(s): How septic systems work http://www.inspect-ny.com/septbook.htm Local health inspector with over 21 years experience inspecting new and existing septic systems. - Anonymous5 years ago
Add Oxygen based bleaches in your laundry. It's not actually bleach, but a hydrogen peroxide release. But you need to use hot water to make it work. Try adding borax or baking soda sometimes to the washing machine during pretreat or wash cycles, it seems to help. Normal amounts of bleach, 1/2 cup, per wash cycle should be safe for a septic system, except it destroys good bacteria, which is necessary to the septic system. Also avoid powdered detergents as they contain plastic fillers that can plug up your lines and drain field. Hope this answers your question..
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- 5 years ago
Seventh Generation dish detergent is actually very nice and septic safe. I used the Free and Clear. I like using it. I got 6 large bottles of it from walmart for around $20. Probably 6 months to a year worth for us. It cleans well and is plant based and biodegradable.
- Anonymous1 decade ago
You do not want to use anything with powder. Use Liquid detergent and liquid toilet cleaner etc. Ask any septic expert and they will tell you that is a HUGE NO NO! Powdered detergents contain plastic fillers and that clogs up things.
The only thing powdered you should use is RID EX...it is great.
We have had a septic for 26 years now ...and we made the mistake of using powdered detergent...even in the dishwasher. It does not dissolve and gets like concrete and they have to break it up and it can be very messy and costly.
RID EX is a powdered chemical you put down in the toilet or sink at night while it can work. Once in the septic it releases enzymes that eat away at grease, paper and waste. It really is good to have!
- 5 years ago
Do not use bleach as it may interfere with the bacteria in the septic system. Large volumes of water-soluble cleaners, bleach, and solvents that are designed to unclog your septic system can harm the septic tank microorganisms that break down solids and possibly contaminate your drinking water supply.
- 1 decade ago
Rid-X is really good for your septic. Alsooo, have it checked out reguarly, or else you may have to end up replacing the whole septic system, and having all the "waste" not flush and try to go back into the house.
P.S.
paper towels
and wipes
=NO
Also, you can use any dishwasher detergent that you want. It doesn't affect the septic system at all.
Source(s): I have a septic system, and so does everybody else in the city.