Tag Archives: chemicals

Bathroom Cleaning and Septic Systems

July 30, 2024Uncategorizedbathroom cleaning, chemicals, cleaning products, Maintenance, septic, Septic Safe, septic system, Septic System Tipskuettels_septic

Bathroom Cleaning and Septic Systems

It’s always good to be aware of the products that go down your drains and the impact it can have on your septic system’s efficiency, performance, and reliability. Septic systems are designed to break down approved materials such as human waste and toilet paper, but many traditional cleaning products have the potential to damage. Here are a few natural products that are effective cleaners and won’t interfere with your septic system:

1. Epsom Salt

Mixing one cup of Epsom salt, a half-cup of baking soda, and a quarter cup of septic safe dish soap is an excellent toilet cleaning paste! Simply apply the paste to the inside of the toilet bowl and let it sit for 3 minutes. Use circular motions to lightly scrub with a cotton cloth until hard water stains and grime are gone. Finally, rinse away with warm water.

Bonus: Epsom salt contains magnesium which will encourage healthy plants around your septic drain field!

2. Vinegar

Combine one part white vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle for a completely natural cleaner! For especially tough grime, get some baking soda and sprinkle it over the area first, then spray the solution. The stain will loosen from the fizzing reaction. To add a fresh scent add a few drops of an essential oil!

3. Products Labeled “Septic Safe”

Some people do prefer to use store-bought cleaners. As long as the product is labeled as meeting the “EPA’s Safer Choice Standard” it should be okay for your septic system. But these products should be free of phosphates, non-toxic, and should not be chlorine-based.

Winter Septic Tips

December 13, 2023Septic System Tipschemicals, drain field, drainfield, Insulation, mound, Odors, septic care, snow, Vents, winter, winter maintenance, winter septic issueskuettels_septic

Keep snowplows away from your tank and drainfield. The plows can compact soil or dig up the area around your system and cause damage.
When the temperatures drop, you may be concerned about your tank freezing. Avoid adding anti-freeze or any other chemicals that could harm the balance of bacteria in the tank. If your septic is used regularly throughout winter months, it will in most cases create enough heat to stay thawed. If we have a winter with very little snow cover to act as an insulator, it is wise to throw loose hay/straw or insulation around manhole covers and even on the drainfield area or mound. Insulated covers are also available to protect against freezing.
If you are away for long amounts of time in the winter, make sure your caretaker is aware of where the septic system is located in case of emergency.
Keep house roof vents clear of ice and snow to allow odors and gasses to escape.

What type of toilet paper should I choose?

September 20, 2023questions about septic systems, Septic System Tipschemicals, flushable, paper, Septic Safe, Toilet Paper, wipeskuettels_septic

The softer the toilet paper the more chemicals were used to make it soft. These chemicals can be harmful to your system’s biological activity, just like anti-bacterial soaps and other harsh chemicals are. Pick a brand of toilet paper that is in-between for softness. Look for a brand that is “Septic Safe”. These brands are normally made with fewer chemicals and are better for your septic system. As a reminder, overuse of any paper can lead to blockage in your septic. NEVER flush wipes, even if they are labeled “flushable.”