The Dos and Don’ts of Septic Tanks
With the right combination of maintenance and everyday mindfulness, a septic system can last for up to 40 years. If you have a septic system at your Cleveland, TX property, it’s crucial to know about what you should or shouldn’t put down your drains. Here’s what you need to know about what cleaning products you can use with a septic tank, what you can use to unclog a drain that’s connected to a septic tank and other tips about how to properly manage your septic system.
What should you never put down a septic tank?
The most basic step in caring for your septic tank is knowing what should never enter the system. Here’s a simple list of items you absolutely need to keep out of your septic system:
- Paint
- Paint thinners
- Gasoline
- Motor oil
- Cat litter
- Coffee ground
- Cigarette butts
- Dental floss
- Disposable diapers
- Paper towels
- Plastics
- Grease
- Fat
- Oil
- Insect or weed killers
- Chemicals and solvents
What about cleaning products?
Keeping your sinks, toilets, showers and appliances clean is essential to a healthy life at home. As a Cleveland, TX homeowner with a septic tank, you need to be mindful of what cleaning products you can use with a septic system. You need to choose household cleaners and chemicals carefully, since your septic tank relies on “good” bacteria to separate harmful solids from wastewater.
Since household cleaners are designed to kill bacteria, you should use organic and biodegradable products whenever possible. Never use drain cleaners, since they can kill the good bacteria in your tank. Take the time to research the following types of cleaning products to make sure they’re septic-safe:
- Floor cleaners
- Dishwashing detergents
- All-purpose kitchen and glass cleaners
- Odor removers
How do you clear clogged drains that are attached to a septic system?
If you notice any slow-moving drains throughout the house, be mindful of what you can use to unclog a drain that’s connected to a septic tank. Remember to never use crystal drain cleaners—they can be too toxic for your septic system and will kill all the good bacteria inside the tank. All Drano products are septic safe—Drano Max Build-Up Remover is specially designed to keep your drains clear and replenish the tank’s bacteria at the same time.
There are also natural ways to remove clogs. For simple jobs like minor blockages, use a plunger, but be sure to do this step before trying to use a drain cleaner. The most natural remedy for stubborn clogs is to pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain. In some cases, even pouring boiling water down the drain is enough to clear a clog.
An efficient septic system is a vital component of your home’s infrastructure in Cleveland, TX. From learning what cleaning products you can use with a septic tank to other basic dos and don’ts, it’s always helpful to seek the advice of professional septic technicians. Contact Cleveland Septic to learn more about how to care for your system to promote efficiency and extend its useful life.
Categorised in: Septic System Maintenance