Don’t Flush Spring Cleaning Down the Toilet!

Spring is almost here! There’s nothing more joyful than the first signs of blue sky, shining sun and new leaves sprouting on once-bare trees after a long, cold winter. This is the perfect time to brighten up your home with a good spring cleaning!

While washing things down the drain of the sink or tub usually seems like the easiest way to dispose of liquid waste, all of those cleaning chemicals could be detrimental to the health of your septic tank. The septic tank uses bacteria to break down all the waste that comes in. Dumping cleaning products and chemicals down the drain will damage the delicate balance of the microscopic organisms, and the tank won’t be able to break down the waste. If they can’t do their job, the tank could eventually begin to clog and overflow. An overflow will contaminate the groundwater and the drain field. Ultimately, you’ll have no choice but to call for septic tank cleaning in Cleveland, TX.

With this in mind, avoid these products that could harm the health of your septic tank as you go about your spring cleaning regimen:

• Ammonia and bleach: These cleaners are great for a spotless bathroom, but they will wreck your septic tank. Small amounts of chemicals aren’t too bad, like what you would use on a scrub brush of cleaning cloth, but dumping a significant amount down the drain can damage the bacteria inside the tank.
• Drain cleaner: Drain cleaner is a powerful chemical. It breaks down everything from soap scum and hair to even the most stubborn clogs. Usually, a small amount of cleaner won’t do anything too bad, because it’s diluted enough to be safe. However, those who use the cleaner weekly or monthly should take caution. These cleaners are incredibly caustic, and repeatedly exposing the bacteria to these chemicals could cause their levels in the tank to plummet.
• Dishwasher detergent: Dishwasher detergent is packed with artificial chemicals that are terrible for the bacteria in the septic tank. These chemicals will make their way through the tank, killing any bacteria they meet. Then, the detergent will enter the surrounding soil and may even find its way into any nearby water sources. Do yourself a favor and just avoid putting dishwasher detergent down the drain or toilet.
• Laundry detergent: Laundry detergent isn’t harmless like soap. Most big-name brands are full of contaminants like phosphates and surfactants. These chemicals can soak into the drain field, which can harm the wildlife and even contaminate your drinking water.
• Hazardous substances: This one should be obvious, but it’s worth repeating: never, ever put paint, paint thinners or gasoline into your septic system. Even the smallest amount can permanently ruin the bacterial balance.

Keep your septic tank cleaned and balanced

The best way to avoid damaging your septic tank is to use organic and biodegradable household products whenever possible. You’ll still get the same great spring cleaning without compromising your septic system.

Ready to cross septic tank cleaning in Conroe, TX off your spring cleaning to-do list? Call the experts at All Pro Septic today for your free quote!

Categorised in: Septic Tank Cleaning