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Household Items That Are Bad for Your Septic Tank

Septic tanks should be properly taken care of to ensure they function as long as they are intended to.  To keep your tank working and up to date, we provide septic services such as cleaning, pumping, inspections, repairs, and even installations.  Although we provide these septic services, there are everyday things you can do to make your septic tank last longer.  By avoiding the improper disposal of the listed items below, your septic tank will function better.  (Related topics: Poughkeepsie NY septic tank installation, septic pumping Wappingers Falls NY, septic pumping Beacon NY)

 

Chemical Cleaners

Natural occurring bacteria plays an important role to the functionality of septum tanks by breaking down solid waste.  By doing so, the solids are liquefied within the tank so that they can be disposed of.  Chemical cleaners can kill the bacteria in septum tanks, meaning the solid waste can’t be broken down.  This can cause a septic tank to get backed up or not work properly.  A couple of chemicals to avoid are bleach, drain cleaners, disinfectants, and even laundry detergent.  Most water-based cleaners are a better alternative, and you can also check if the label says “Septic Safe”.

 

Latex Products

Most latex products are not biodegradable, meaning that they will stay in your septic tank until the next pumping, causing it to back up.  This can result in a person needing their tank to be pumped more often, and if not, it could result in the waste emptying onto the lawn of a house.

 

Prescription Medications

Similar to chemical cleaners, certain medications, such as antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can kill good bacteria in a septic tank. In addition, medications are bad for the environment, polluting the soil and water sources.

At Jones Septic Services, we want you to have the best working septic tank for your home.  Contact us for any septic services that you may need!

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