Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #6 – Oils and Solvents
6. Bath Oils and Solvents
Putting a bit of baby oil in your bathtub may leave your skin feeling ultra-soft when you get out, but it’s not such a great option for your septic tank. Once it washes into your septic tank the oil forms a layer of scum that coats the floating waste. The bacteria are then unable to penetrate the oil, preventing it from breaking down the waste. The oil flows throughout your system coating everything, reaching the soil in the drain field clogging it.
Never flush paints, solvents, pesticides, oils, or anything inorganic as they will kill the bacteria or clog the lines.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #5 – Drain Cleaners
Drain cleaners are a no-no for all homeowners, even ones who don’t have septic systems. Not only can chemical drain cleaners kill the good bacteria in your septic tank, they can also eat away at your pipes! The caustic soda or lye used in them is a powerful oxidizer and can cause severe burns. If your drains are clogged, you’d be much better off paying a little more to hire a plumber to unclog them than using a chemical drain cleaner. If trouble arises, you’ll end up paying a lot more for the damage than you would have if you had hired a professional. Or try this homemade solution to clear your drain and pipes without harm.
DIY Drain Cleaner:
Pour 1/2 cup baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup white vinegar, down drain, and cover with a plug or rag. The mixture will work to break down any fats into salt and harmless gas. Flush with boiling water.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #4 – Some Dishwasher Detergents
Dishwasher detergent is more likely to contain phosphates and surfactants than laundry detergents. Unlike in laundry machines, there is no agitation in dishwashers. Dishwashers work by spraying water containing detergents with chemicals that will dissolve and break down the food residue stuck to the dishes. If these chemicals somehow make it through your septic tank without killing the bacteria, they can eventually enter the soil around your tank, leaching into ground water and putting you at risk for contaminated drinking water.
Look for Phosphate Free dishwasher detergents.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #3 – Antibacterial Soaps and Automatic Toilet Cleaners
Antibacterial hand soaps and any product claiming to be antibacterial should be avoided, not only because of the obvious harm they could do to the bacterial colony your septic system needs to function, but they are now being linked to the development of “superbugs” that are antibiotic resistant and pose a health risk to us all. Good old soap and water works fine.
Not only do the antibacterial chemicals in automatic toilet cleaners kill the bacteria in your toilet, they also kill the bacteria in your septic tank. If you use these toilet cleaners, you may find yourself ending up with a septic tank full of blue water and a lot of dead bacteria. Cleaning the toilet instead with a combination of baking soda and white vinegar will give you equally effective frothy results that are nontoxic.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #2 – Some Laundry Products
A large part of the volume in your septic system may come from your laundry. Most of the laundry detergents that you find at your local grocery store probably contain some environmental contaminant. Thankfully nutrient polluters such as phosphates and nitrates are finally being eliminated from the detergents we use as they promote the growth of choking algae and weeds in our ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers.
Say NO to:
Surfactants – these are foaming agents and are in all soaps and detergents. They reduce the surface tension of fluids allowing them fluid to flow more easily between solids, freeing dirt from surfaces. They unfortunately affect cell membranes and microorganisms and will damage the bacteria colony in your septic system. Luckily, they degrade quickly and don’t pose a severe threat to ground water.
Chlorine bleach – bleach is highly toxic and should be avoided or used in limited amounts when needed, unfortunately chlorine bleach is used in many cleaners and disinfectants.
Say YES to:
Oxygen based bleaches – for laundering
White vinegar – for disinfecting
Baking soda – brightens colors and whites, softens fabrics, eliminates odors
Seek out concentrated laundry detergents with labels that say:
- Biodegradable
- Low Suds
- No Phosphorous
- No Nitrogen
- Chlorine Free
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank #1 – Medications
When you have leftover medications on hand it can be tempting to flush them away. DON’T.
Pharmaceuticals can destroy the bacterial balance in your septic system, causing septic failure. They also contribute to the proliferation of “superbugs”, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that pose a health risk to us all.
Improperly disposed medications contaminate groundwater, endangering the environment and, closer to home, your own drinking water. This is a widespread problem — researchers have found traces of pharmaceutical drugs in the drinking water supplies of 40 million Americans. Pharmaceuticals were found in 80% of rivers and streams sampled in a nationwide study in 2000.
To safely dispose of medications:
- Find a medicine take-back program in your area. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) hosts National Prescription Drug Take-Back events, setting up collection sites in communities nationwide for safe disposal of prescription drugs. Your local police department may also sponsor a medicine take-back program. If you can’t find a medicine takeback program, contact your local waste management authorities to learn about medication disposal options and guidelines for your area.
- If you cannot find a takeback program, you may have to dispose of unwanted medications in the trash – but be sure to do it safely to prevent accidental poisoning or environmental contamination. The FDA recommends taking medications out of their original containers, mixing them with an “undesirable substance” (such as kitty litter or used coffee grounds), putting the mixture in a Ziploc bag or a container with a lid, then throwing the whole package in the trash.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog: 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic Tank
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
The Top 6 Things to Avoid Putting in Your Septic System
Caring for Your Septic System
If you have a septic system in your home, you need to be very careful about what household products you use. Septic systems rely on bacteria to break down wastes and solids, but these bacteria need a specific environment to survive. For example, if you put the wrong kind of detergent in your washing machine or you use the wrong drain cleaner, you can end up killing the bacteria, rendering your septic system ineffective. This can lead to overflows, clogs, flooded drain fields and even groundwater contamination. It’s important to protect your septic system by avoiding harmful household products.
Here are the Top 6 items that you should NEVER put into your septic system.
1. Some Toilet Paper, “Flushable Wipes” and other Clogging Hazards
2. Some Laundry Products
3. Antibacterial Soaps and Automatic Toilet Cleaners
4. Some Dishwasher Detergents
5. Drain Cleaners
6. Oils and Solvents
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow these tips.
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Your Guide to Planting Trees Near Your Septic System Part 2
Planting trees near your septic system can be tricky, because some species of trees can cause a lot of damage.
Trees, shrubs and other plant life can enhance the design of any landscape, but if you have a septic system, it pays to be very careful when planting anything. In our last blog, we talked about which parts of your septic system are vulnerable to tree-root damage, as well as how far away you should be planting your trees. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, now is the time! Today, we are going to be going over which trees, shrubs and other plants are safe to plant near your septic system and which trees and shrubs to avoid planting anywhere near it.
Why might it be beneficial to plant vegetation near or over your leach field?
Many homeowners become so paranoid about planting trees, shrubs or anything near their leach field that they avoid it altogether. However, planting the right kind of vegetation could actually be beneficial for the health of your septic system. This is because plants helps to prevent erosion by removing the excess moisture from your leach field.
Which plants are safe to place near or over your leach field?
Your best bet is to plant vegetation that has shallow root systems, such as grasses, annuals and perennials. Spring bulbs, wild violets, hollyhocks, bee balm and deer resistant perennials are all great choices. However, when it comes to planting trees and shrubs, you need to be a bit more careful. Here are some example of trees and shrubs with shallow root systems that are safe to plant near your septic system:
- Japanese Maple Trees
- Holly Shrubs
- Dogwood Trees
- Cherry Trees
- Boxwood Shrubs
- Eastern Redbud Trees
- Azalea Shrubs
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t plant any vegetation that you plan on eating from near your septic system. You might get better growth, but it won’t be safe to eat any of the fruit or vegetables produced.
What plants should you avoid placing near your leach field?
As a general rule, you want to avoid planting any trees or shrubs that are fast-growing and large, as well as those that are known to seek out water sources aggressively. Some trees are pickier about the water sources they will seek out than others, and some trees, like weeping willow trees, will go after the water in the pipes traveling through the leach field. Here are a few examples of some trees and shrubs that you should avoid planting anywhere near your leach field:
- Japanese Willow Shrubs
- Ash Trees
- Birch Trees
- Pussy Willow Shrubs
- Aspen Trees
- Tulip Trees
- Maple Trees
- Beech Trees
As we mentioned in our previous blog, any trees or shrubs that you plant should be planted as far from the your septic system as they are tall. So a tree that reaches 30 feet in maturity will need to be planted at least 30 feet away from your septic system.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog.
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Your Guide to Planting Trees Near Your Septic System Part 1
Are you looking to plant trees near your septic system?
Trees are truly incredible. We rely on them for everything from adding beauty to our world to providing us with the oxygen we need to breathe. Trees can add a lot to your home’s landscape, but if you have a septic system, you may want to think twice about planting trees near your septic field. Many different kinds of trees have been known to infiltrate septic systems with their roots, leading a great deal of damage and expensive repairs. Although it can be tricky to plant trees near your septic system, if you do so carefully and wisely, it can be done. Luckily, the experts who brought you Septic Genie are here to help. Here is your guide to planting trees near your septic system:
Which parts of your septic system are vulnerable to damage from tree roots?
There are essentially three main parts to your septic system: the holding tank, the main outlet and then drainage field, otherwise known as a leach bed or leach field. The sewage travels into the septic tank, where it accumulates until it is full. Then, it will empty into the drainage field from the main outlet. The tank itself is incredibly durable and typically impervious to damage from tree roots. However, where tree roots are a real concern is the leach field.
The drainage field is made up of perforated PVC pipes that are laid in trenches that are filled with gravel or crushed stone. Tree roots target those pipes in their search for moisture. This leads to pipes that are either clogged, crushed or otherwise severely damaged. Every part in your septic system needs to be working properly in order for the whole thing to do its job, and when the drainage field pipes are damaged, your entire system will pay the price.
How far from the septic system should you plant trees?
How much distance you should give when planting a tree largely depends on the type of tree that you are planting. Some trees have root systems that are shallow, while others have strong, far-reaching roots that are attracted to the moisture in your septic system’s pipes. We will get into the specific types of trees that should and should not be planted near septic systems in our next blog, but as a general rule, you should leave as much distance between the tree and your septic system as the tree’s height when it reaches maturity. For example, if your have a tree that is 50 feet tall, it should be kept at least 50 feet away from your septic system.
Trees add a lot of life to your landscape, but when it comes to planting trees near your septic system, it’s important to be very careful. As we mentioned above, some trees are safer to plant near your septic system than others, and in our next blog, we’ll be going over which trees to plant and which trees to avoid. Please stay tuned for our next blog to learn more!
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog.
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?
Protect Your Septic System by Conserving Water Part 3
If you use a septic system in your home, then water conservation can help you keep it running strong.
Did you know that you can easily overload your septic system if you use too much water? When your septic system is overloaded, the bacteria that breaks down solids inside of it can’t do its job effectively. Water conservation is essential for people who have septic systems in their homes, and in our previous septic tank care blog, we went over several tips for conserving water in your home. Here are the last few steps you can take to save more water at home:
#8. Skip your daily shower every once in awhile.
While it may not sound appealing, skipping your daily shower just once a week can really help you save a lot of water. Most of us don’t really need to take a shower every day, and showering daily can actually be bad for your hair and skin anyway.
#9. Don’t wash your vehicle at home.
Keeping your vehicle clean is important for both its aesthetic appeal and its paint, but that doesn’t mean you should wash your vehicle at home. Save water by washing your vehicle at a car wash that recycles the water it uses.
#10. Keep an eye on your meter or water bill.
In a previous blog, we mentioned the importance of fixing plumbing leaks for conserving water, but not all plumbing leaks are obvious. To spot hidden plumbing leaks, keep an close eye on your meter and water bills. If you notice any spikes in usage, it might be time to have a plumber inspect your home for leaks.
To avoid causing problems in your septic system, follow this tip and the others in this blog.
To make your septic system last a lifetime, consider installing a Septic Genie system. Septic Genie is a small, easily system and patented bacteria blend that will not only prevent or reverse septic system failure — but also eliminate the need to ever pump your septic tank again!
To learn more about the Septic Genie system, check out our resources:
How is Septic Genie different from an Aerator?