FindLocal-SewerSeptic

Your septic system needs bacteria to function. Like our own digestive systems, there are ‘good’ bacteria that are needed to digest the solid waste in your septic tank. Unfortunately, cleaners that kill ‘bad’ bacteria in your home can also kill the ones you need in your septic tank. Bleach and other agents in many household cleaners can cause havoc in your septic system. So how do you keep your home clean and healthy without harming those necessary bacteria living in your septic tank?

The first step is to look at any cleaning products that you use in your bathrooms, laundry room or kitchen sink area. If the cleaner will be washed down the drain, you need to know what is in those products. Dish soaps, laundry detergent, toiler cleaner, shower spray and any other agent that goes down the drain should be ‘septic-safe’. There are many all-natural cleaners that work great and keep your home clean without the use of harmful bleach or chemicals. It is better for your septic system and the environment to use eco-friendly cleaners.

Want to save money and protect your septic system from damage? Learn to make your own cleaners at home. Vinegar and baking soda are excellent options for cleaning almost anything – they can even be used to safely loosen clogs in your plumbing. Other natural cleaners include lemon, tea tree oil and other plant extracts, all effective and safe for your septic system.

Septic maintenance can protect your system and extend the life, saving your thousands of dollars in the long run. Be careful of what you put down the drain and keep up with regular service from your local septic service company.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441

A septic system failure is an expense no one wants to incur. Depending on your system, it could cost several thousand dollars to repair or replace your septic. There could be items in your bathroom that could be harmful to your system that you may not realize. Here are four common items that can become expensive culprits to backing up your septic system. 

1. Decorative items on toilet tank. You often see a basket of mini soaps or votive candles placed on the top of the toilet tank. This is a poor choice of placement for any items that are small enough to flush down the toilet. They can easy slip unnoticed into the bowl, then cause clogs within your pipes or septic system.
2. Flushable wipes. The wet wipes that claim to be flushable are usually not biodegradable and should not be flushed, regardless of the labeling. These can be destructive to your septic system, causing clogs and unnecessary extra solids in your septic tank.
3. Cotton swabs and balls. Most bathrooms have cotton balls and swabs for personal hygiene. Make sure these items do not get flushed down the toilet – cotton does not easily breakdown and can be detrimental to your septic.
4. Medications. Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, should never be flushed down the toilet. Many can kill the bacteria you need to maintain in your septic tank for proper treatment. Pills can also get stuck in the small holes in the pipes in your drain field, causing a backup.

Protect your septic system and bank account by keeping these items out of your toilets. If you don’t, you will need the professional help of your local septic service company to fix the problem.

Posted on behalf of:
Seagraves Plumbing Sewer & Septic
4980 Plant Atkinson Rd SE
Smyrna, GA 30080
(494) 792-2221