Tag Archives: Septic Safe

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.

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.”

Can Cat Waste Be Flushed?

November 30, 2022questions about septic systems, Septic System Tips, Troubleshootingcat, environmental, not to flush, parasites, pet waste, septic, Septic Safekuettels_septic

While this is perhaps a common question in more urban areas, cat-owners may wonder this in rural areas as well. There are even products out there that claim to “toilet train” your cat!

Environmental, waste disposal, and water & sewer professionals agree that flushing pet waste is not a smart idea. An animal’s digestion and biology are of course different than a human’s, so the waste is different. The extra usage could potentially overburden a septic system unnecessarily. An even greater risk occurs for city-dwellers, as municipal treatment technology can’t eliminate all parasites that are carried by cats.

In an effort to keep our water safe for everyone and to keep waste-treatment systems working properly, it is recommended that cat waste not be flushed.

Based on the article “Cat Waste: To Flush or Not to Flush” in Pumper Magazine.

COVID-19 and Your Septic System

January 19, 2021questions about septic systems, Septic System Tipsanti-bacterial, COVID, Lenzyme, sanitize, Septic Safe, tank additivekuettels_septic

In this new era of COVID-19, of course the most important thing is to help keep ourselves and our family healthy. At the moment, this includes extra cleaning and sanitizing at home. You may find yourself using more bleach and anti-bacterial cleaners & sanitizers. Keep in mind that these products do affect your septic tank and system, which needs healthy levels of good bacteria to function properly. If you feel that frequent use of strong cleaners is a necessity in your home, please use a monthly bacteria additive for the septic system. And please remember to never flush sanitizing wipes! Contact us for more information and to order a year-supply of a beneficial and cost-effective bacteria additive!

We at Kuettel’s Septic Service sincerely hope your families are safe and healthy!

Does toilet paper harm my septic system?

June 22, 2012questions about septic systems, Septic System TipsMaintenance, Septic Questions, Septic Safe, Septic System Tips, septic tips, Toilet Paperadmin

The answer is: 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.